As Nepal celebrates the warmth and sweetness of Yomari Punhi today, there’s another beautiful tradition quietly waiting for its moment: Matina Paru, a festival many people surprisingly don’t even know exists.

Often called Nepal’s original Day of Love, Matina Paru blends romance with heritage. “Matina” means love, and “Paru” marks a lunar day, creating a heartfelt celebration that honors affection the traditional Newar way: long before Valentine’s Day ever reached Nepal.

Yomari Punhi: A Sweet Prelude to Love

Yomari Punhi marks the end of the rice harvest and is celebrated by preparing yomari, a delicious steamed dumpling filled with chaku and sesame. Families gather, share food, and offer yomari to the gods as a symbol of gratitude and prosperity.

This warm, joyful festival sets the stage for what comes next.

Matina Paru: A Cultural Love Story

The day after Yomari Punhi, couples traditionally exchanged small tokens of affection; often yomari, flowers, or colored powder. It was a gentle, culturally rooted way for young lovers to express their feelings.

Long before Valentine’s Day arrived in Nepal, Matina Paru was already celebrating love in its purest, most meaningful form.

Its Significance

In an era defined by Western trends, Matina Paru reminds us of our own heritage. It celebrates:

• Love expressed through tradition
• The beauty of Newar culture
• A connection to community, family, and identity

As Yomari Punhi fills homes with warmth today, Matina Paru tomorrow continues the spirit of love and togetherness.

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