Yomari Punhi, Sakela Udhauli festivals observed (with photos)

KATHMANDU, Dec 12: Yomari Punhi and Sakela Udhauli festivals were observed across the country on Thursday.

Yomari Punhi is a festival observed by the Newar community in Kathmandu and is believed to have started 400 years ago. A special delicacy made of rice flour and molasses called Yomari is the major attraction of this festival. 

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Udhauli festival was observed by people from the Kirant community in Nepal today. This festival is observed wishing for a good harvest by worshipping the soil and nature. People from the Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar and Yakhya ethnicities observe this festival. 

They celebrate by beating drums and cymbals to worship their ancestors and nature. They perform a special kind of dance called Sakela. The youths and elderly pray for favorable weather for crops while exchanging greetings.  

Meanwhile, people from the Newari community also observed 16th Jyapu Festival in Kathmandu today.