KATHMANDU: Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, has emphasized that Jyapu Day should reflect the identity and existence of indigenous Jyapu community.

At a programme organised by the Jyapu Culture Development Trust on the occasion of the 22nd Jyapu Day here Thursday, Deputy Mayor Dangol reminded that protection and promotion of identity and existence of Jyapu society was the responsibility of the government.

This Day has showed the hard work and cultural specificities of Jyapu people, she mentioned. “Yomari is not only a food item but a symbol of our prosperity, fertility and family unity. Jyapu Day and this festival are true identity, beyond tradition,” opined the Deputy-Mayor.

She added that Yomari Punhi and Jyapu Day are the opportunities to express commitment to soil, respect for the land. It is imperative to retain philosophical values associated with cultural significance of this festival, according to her.

Similarly, Chairperson of the Trust, Mangal Krishna Singh, shared that there are many cultural heritages in Nepal to be included in the World Heritage List. Original music, festivals and traditional worship methods have played significant roles in their protection, he stressed.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, as well as other high-ranking officials were present in the programme organised at Basantapur Durbar Square.