When cultures collide, they often create something entirely new and unique. Hong Kong is a perfect example, but so is Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley, home to the ancient Newar community. Positioned at a historic crossroads between India and Tibet, the Newars developed a distinct culture all their own, from the Newari language and a syncretic blend of Hinduism and Buddhism to a rich heritage of art and celebration.

However, this unique identity has faced significant pressure. Following the unification of the Kingdom of Nepal in the 18th century and lasting until the late 20th century, there were concerted efforts to build a single national identity by suppressing the distinct cultures of communities like the Newars. Despite these challenges, many Newars have remained fiercely protective of their heritage, a commitment that continues even as they have settled in communities far from their homeland, including here in Hong Kong.

A Culture Forged at a Crossroads

Newar culture reached its zenith during the Malla dynasty (13th-18th centuries), a golden age of art, architecture, and literature. The foundations of modern Nepal, however, were laid by the Gorkhas, a community from west of Kathmandu. In 1769, the Gorkha leader conquered the Kathmandu Valley, ending Malla rule and beginning the process of unifying the territories that would become the Kingdom of Nepal.

This shift in power had a profound impact on Newar culture, particularly its language. Newari, with a history spanning over 800 years, was once the community’s primary language. Under Gorkha rule, it was gradually supplanted by Nepali. The suppression intensified during the Rāņā dynasty (1846-1951)—a period when the Rana family ruled as hereditary prime ministers—to the point where writing in Newari was banned. After a brief respite, the language was suppressed again during the autocratic Panchayat system (1960-1990) under King Mahendra, who promoted a unified “Nepali” identity centered on the Nepali language and Hinduism.

Change finally came with democratization in 1990, and the status of Newari has slowly improved. It is now recognized as a local official language in many Newar-majority areas, especially the Kathmandu Valley. Still, it is not a national language. Decades of suppression have left their mark; Nepali and English are now the primary languages for the younger generation, who tend to use Newari only in informal settings. UNESCO has classified Newari as a “definitely endangered” language, fueling ongoing efforts to revitalize and promote it.

Religiously, Newar culture is a rare and fascinating blend. Most Newars identify as Hindu but seamlessly incorporate Buddhist practices, blurring the lines between the two faiths. While both religions originated in ancient India, their core philosophies differ greatly. This unique syncretism arose from Kathmandu’s geographical position as a melting pot for Indian and Tibetan influences. It was also fostered by rulers, like the Hindu kings of the Malla dynasty, who offered equal patronage to Buddhism. This deep intertwining of faiths has become an inseparable part of Newar life, resilient even through periods of state-promoted Hinduism.

This blended spiritual heritage shines through in Newar traditions. A family might hire either a Hindu or a Buddhist priest for a ceremony, depending on the occasion. They celebrate festivals from both religions, sometimes incorporating elements of each into a single ritual. These festivals are the lifeblood of the community, strengthening family and social bonds while serving as a way to seek divine blessings and honor ancestors.

Yomari Punhi: A Taste of Home in Hong Kong

For the Newars living in Hong Kong, these festivals have taken on even greater importance. They gather often to celebrate their traditions, with many events organized by the Newar Samaj Hong Kong. Our team recently had the pleasure of joining their Yomari Punhi celebration at The India Club in Jordan to experience the festive atmosphere firsthand.

Food is central to Newar culture, which is renowned for its diverse cuisine and the tradition of eating specific foods during specific holidays. While many associate Nepalese food with momos (dumplings), the star of Yomari Punhi is a special sweet rice-flour dumpling called the Yomari. As the association’s treasurer, Rina, explained, “Yo” means “to like,” and “mari” means “bread.” Yomari Punhi is a harvest festival, a time to thank Annapurna, the goddess of food, and pray for a prosperous year.

According to legend, the Yomari was created in Panauti, Nepal, by a couple experimenting with their new rice harvest. They shared their creation with the village, and everyone loved it. The god of wealth, Kubera, who was visiting in the guise of a beggar, was so touched by their generosity that he granted them riches and promised to bless anyone who prepares Yomari on the full moon day to honor the gods.

The origins of the Yomari itself are debated—some say it came from Korea via Tibet, while others see the influence of the Indian sweet Modaka. This uncertainty only underscores the Newars’ unique position between two great cultures. As a symbol of good fortune, the Yomari appears not just during the festival but at key life events like births, birthdays, and temple anniversaries.

The event in Hong Kong was vibrant and welcoming, attended by Newars as well as friends from the broader Nepalese and Indian communities. The celebration featured lively music and dance, and a game of Bingo kept everyone entertained. We sampled the Yomari, a teardrop-shaped dumpling. Its chewy rice-flour skin gives way to a sweet, satisfying filling of sugar and sesame.

Rina noted that to maintain tradition and authentic flavor, the association imports ingredients for the Yomari directly from Nepal. This dedication has clearly resonated with the younger generation. As one young Newar, Dhammodaya, told us, these events are “a great way to bring everyone closer.” He acknowledges the challenges, admitting that “it’s becoming more difficult to continue these traditions, and some adaptations are necessary.” Indeed, some younger attendees we spoke with weren’t fully aware of the festival’s deeper meaning.

But as Dhammodaya sees it, that might not be the most important thing anymore. The festival offers a much-needed space for connection. “You can come here with friends, colleagues, and people who share your cultural identity,” he said. “You can just relax and have a good time.” For the Newars of Hong Kong, these ancient rituals have evolved into modern gatherings—a way to unwind, reconnect, and keep the bonds of their community strong.

Reference：

Nepali, G. S. (1959). The Newars of Nepal [PhD thesis, University of Bombay].

Shrestha, B. G. (2012). The sacred town of Sankhu: The anthropology of Newar ritual, religion and society in Nepal. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Gautam, B. L. (2018, November). Language shift in Newar: A case study in the Kathmandu Valley. Nepalese Linguistics, 33(1), 33-41.