The Nepal Weekly 
August 26, 2025
The Government has officially listed Yomari, a traditional hot sweet of the Newar community, as an intangible cultural heritage. This recognition follows tireless efforts by the Newar community in Lalitpur which as coordinated and supported by the Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC) Office.
After completing all required procedures and submitting evidence, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation approved Yomari’s inclusion as an intangible cultural heritage based on recommendations from the evaluation and nomination committees.
In Nepal’s Yomari is a familiar dish. This steamed rice flour dumpling, filled with chaku (molasses) or khuwa (milk solids), is a cherished delicacy rooted in the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley. Traditionally prepared during Yomari Punhi, which falls in on full moon day in in December. Cooking Yomari holds deep cultural and symbolic significance.
To support the inclusion of Yomari in the National Inventory of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) initiative aimed at recognizing, promoting, and safeguarding Nepal’s diverse living cultural tradition – Lalitpur Metropolitan City organized a three-day workshop. The initiative engaged the local Newah community, with over 90% participation from women, to prepare the traditional delicacy.
From shaping Yomar is in traditional forms to performing the folk songs sung during YomariPunhi, every element was carefully documented as part of the effort to safeguard Nepal’s ICH.
The ministry noted that approximately 105 applications were received last year in response to its call for intangible heritage nominations, but only Yomari met the required criteria this year.
Lalitpur Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan issued a statement thanking all involved, saying, “A heartfelt thank you to the Newar community, various groups, and all contributors. This achievement is the result of everyone’s hard work and positive mindset.” He expressed hope for further support to list Yomari on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, acknowledging the roles of the minister, elected representatives, staff, residents, and facilitator Dr. Monalisa Maharjan.
The ministry stated that this year marks the beginning of a continuous effort to preserve intangible cultural heritage through community-led identification and documentation. Under the 2024 Intangible Cultural Heritage (Listing and Management) Procedure, experts on the evaluation committee assess nominations, while a recommendation committee, comprising representatives from relevant bodies, advises the ministry, which then finalizes decisions. This procedure was established following a decision in September last year.
The procedure defines intangible cultural heritage as cultural practices transmitted across generations by ethnic communities in Nepal, including oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festivals, nature and universe-related knowledge, traditional craftsmanship, skills and technologies, traditional games, culinary expertise, attire and jewelry knowledge, heritage practices, sites of practice, and dormant yet remembered cultural elements—spanning 10 domains. Individuals, families, or communities can apply for listing under these categories by submitting detailed heritage information, consent from relevant groups, photos, audio-visual materials, generational transmission details, local government recommendations, and proof of local listing, if applicable.
