Yomari, also called yamari, (Nepal Bhasa: 𑐫𑑀𑐩𑐵𑐬𑐷 or 𑐫𑑅𑐩𑐵𑐬𑐷) is a delicacy of the Newar community in Nepal. It is a steamed dumpling that consists of an external covering of rice flour[1] with sweet fillings such as chaku and khuwa. The delicacy plays a very important role in Newa society, and is a key part of the festival of Yomari Punhi.[2][3] According to some, the triangular shape of the Yamari is a symbolical representation of one half of the Shadkona, the symbol of Saraswati and wisdom.[4]
The name "yamari" comes from two Nepal Bhasa words, "Ya:"(𑐫𑑅) meaning "to like" and "Mari"(𑐩𑐵𑐬𑐷) meaning "delicacy/bread". So, yamari literally means a popular (liked) delicacy.
The festival of Yomari Punhi begins on the second day of the full moon when prayers are offered during which the yomaris are stored and not eaten. On the fourth and the final day the people belonging to the Newa community eat the sweet bread, seen as a gift from the gods, at the conclusion of the festival.[5]
