Empowering Hands Through Traditional Yomari Making

The Rotary Club of Kathmandu Height successfully concluded the Yomari Promotion 2082 Training Program, which began on the auspicious occasion of Yomari Punhi (4 December) and was organized at Ward Office No. 27, Sunakothi. The program marked a special celebration of Yomari’s inclusion in Nepal’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List, combining cultural preservation with women-focused economic empowerment. This year’s program was specially targeted to single women, with 53 trainees actively participating. The closing ceremony was attended by over 350 community members, reflecting strong engagement from Lalitpur Wards 26, 27, 5, and 7. During the training and promotion activities, 200 kg of rice flour was used to prepare traditional Yomari of Chaku and Khuwa, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience in producing quality finished products. The Rotary Club of Kathmandu Height contributed NPR 25,000 for this project and worked in close collaboration with Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Ward No. 27, the Industry Tourism and Culture Preservation Committee Sunakothi, and partners including Peko Peko Eatery, NEWAZ, Museum Café, along with 26 local Mahila Samuha. Special appreciation goes to Ward Chairman Mr. Krishna Hari and Ms Sabita Maharjan for their strong support in making the program successful. Over the past three years, the club has continuously supported this community through skill-based trainings such as soap-making and food production. As a result, participants have now started producing Yomari for commercial purposes, opening pathways for self-employment and sustainable income. This initiative significantly strengthened Rotary’s public image and reaffirmed its commitment to women empowerment, cultural heritage, and community upliftment