The Yomari Festival was held in Tansen to introduce the younger generation to the traditional Newar delicacy, Yomari.

Organised by Maitri Club in the old settlement of Taksar Tole, ward 3 of Tansen Municipality, the festival aimed to promote yomari and attract both locals and visitors, said club president Pancha Shakya. Participants enjoyed a variety of yomari and other Newar dishes, which they could watch being prepared and taste on site.

In the Newar language, ‘yo’ means favourite and ‘mari’ means bread. Traditionally, families make yomari at home during the full moon of the Nepali month of Mangsir, when they store the newly harvested paddy.

Sharing them with relatives and friends is an important ritual of the Newar community. Festival coordinator Rilanman Maharjan said the event was organised to preserve Newar culture and engage young people in learning about these traditions.

The festival featured 20 stalls displaying yomari in various varieties. Ward chair Baburatna Shakya said that many attendees had not known what yomari is or how it is made, making the festival a valuable educational experience.

Tansen Municipality Mayor Santosh Lal Shrestha said the event successfully promoted Newar culture while educating the younger generation. The festival drew interest from both locals and international visitors, with cultural performances showcasing Newar and other community traditions.