President & NA Chair extend best wishes on Udhauli & Yomari Punhi festivals
In a message of best wishes on the occasion of Udhauli festival 2081, President Paudel wished for the happiness, peace and prosperity to all Nepalis living home and abroad.
KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has expressed his belief that the Udhauli festival will further strengthen national unity by enhancing mutual harmony, tolerance, and fraternity in Nepal’s diverse society.
In his message of best wishes on the occasion of Udhauli 2081, President Paudel wished happiness, peace, and prosperity to all Nepalis, both at home and abroad. He explained that Udhauli, a significant festival for the Kirant community—including the Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar, and Yakkha people—marks the seasonal migration of people, animals, and birds from the highlands to lower regions as winter arrives. Traditionally, newly harvested crops are offered to ancestors with prayers to the land.
“This festival fosters mutual harmony among all ethnic groups and helps maintain familial, communal, and societal unity,” the message noted.
Similarly, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal extended his best wishes on the occasion of both Udhauli and Yomari Punhi. He expressed hope that these cultural festivals will further strengthen social bonds, mutual harmony, and national unity among Nepali people. He highlighted that Nepal’s identity lies in its unity amidst diversity.
Chairperson Dahal wished happiness, peace, prosperity, and longevity to all Nepali brothers and sisters worldwide. He emphasized that Udhauli and Yomari Punhi symbolize social tolerance, cultural preservation, and reverence for nature.
The Kirant community marks Udhauli by offering newly harvested paddy to deities, seeking blessings before consuming the crop, and paying homage to ancestors. Meanwhile, the Newar community celebrates Yomari Punhi by preparing Yomari, a delicacy made from the flour of freshly harvested paddy.
“The Constitution of Nepal recognizes the nation as multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural. It guarantees every citizen’s right to celebrate festivals according to their traditions and beliefs,” Dahal’s message concluded.
