The Newah Organization of America (NOA) successfully hosted a vibrant and culturally rich Yomari Punhi Celebration on Saturday, December 6, 2025, welcoming over 90 participants, including NOA Life Members, Founders, community elders, youth, and families from across the DMV region. The event was held at Shady Grove Middle School, where traditional music, authentic Newah cuisine, and multigenerational cultural learning created a warm and festive atmosphere.
Since 2013, NOA has celebrated Yomari Punhi annually to preserve and promote Newah culture and to introduce the significance of this unique festival to the younger generation and community members. Widely observed in the Kathmandu Valley, across Nepal, and among global Newah-Nepali communities, Yomari Punhi carries deep cultural, agricultural, and social importance. The name “Yomari Punhi” originates from the Newah language:
Yoh – to love or like
Mari – a bread-like delicacy
Punhi – full moon
The festival features a special delicacy made from conical rice-flour dough with a fish-like tail, filled with sesame–molasses (chaku) or sweetened khuwa. Celebrated on the December full moon, Yomari Punhi marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, symbolizing nourishment, warmth, and community well-being.
Founders, Executive Committee (EC) members, and their spouses honored the occasion by wearing traditional Newah attire, adding cultural authenticity and beauty to the celebration.
NOA President Mr. Mahindra Pradhan welcomed all participants and highlighted the cultural and historical significance of Yomari Punhi. First Vice President Mr. Rajesh Lal Shrestha shared updates on NOA’s upcoming 25th Anniversary and encouraged community support for this important milestone.
A key highlight of the event was the LIVE Yomari-making demonstration, where children and adults learned about the cultural meaning, ingredients, and step-by-step preparation of Yomari. From 1:00–4:00 PM, volunteers prepared fresh Yomari using traditional recipes of rice flour, chaku, khuwa, and aromatic spices.
NOA Member-at-Large Mr. Anil Ranjit presented an informative session on the history, symbolism, and customs of Yomari Punhi, deepening cultural understanding for both new and long-standing community members. His presentation was followed by the traditional Yomari Punhi song: “Yomari Chamu, Uke Dune Hamu, Biu Sa Lyasi, Mabyusa Buri Buri.Guests were served a traditional Samay Baji, prepared with support from NOA’s Executive Committee members. The meal featured classic dishes such as Aloo Tama, Choela, Bhuti, Wangucha, Cheura, Yogurt, and Lal Mohan, offering everyone a rich and authentic Newah culinary experience.
The celebration concluded successfully thanks to the dedicated efforts of NOA’s Executive Committee, Life Members, and volunteers who contributed food, supplies, steamers, utensils, décor, and overall logistical support. Special appreciation goes to all volunteers who ensured smooth and efficient Yomari preparation for more than 90 attendees.
NOA extends heartfelt gratitude to all participants, volunteers, and supporters for making this event memorable. The gathering beautifully reflected NOA’s core values—unity, cultural pride, intergenerational learning, and community warmth.
Subhaye – Thank you.
The Executive Committee
Newah Organization of America (NOA)
नेवा: अर्गनाइजेसन् अफ् अमेरिका
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