Kathmandu, December 25 Various communities across the country observed different festivals today. Hindu community celebrated Dhanya Purnima while Newars celebrated Yomari Punhi (or Jyapu Diwas). Similarly, Kiranti people observed Udhauli festival while Christians across nation celebrated Christmas today. Dhanya Purnima is a Hindu festival celebrated to mark the end of the rice harvesting season. Hindus celebrate the festival by stocking new grains and making offerings to god and goddesses to ensure plentiful supply of grains throughout the year. Meanwhile, Newar community celebrated Yomari Punhi, marking the end of the rice harvesting season. Yomari is a Newari food made of rice flour, molasses (chaku) and sesame seeds. Newars worship Annapurna, goddess of grains and food, on the day. It is believed that worshipping Annapurna brings prosperity throughout the year. The festival is celebrated for four days. Similarly, Kirant community celebrated Udhauli Parva today. The literal meaning of ‘udhauli’ is going down. During winter, the birds and animals of upper hills migrate to the lowlands in search of warmth. The day is also believed to be the beginning of winter season. On this day, Kirant people worship land or nature, which is called Bhumi Puja. People perform special kind of dance known as Sakela and play various musical instruments like dhol, and jhyamta, among others during this festival. Similarly, Christians celebrated Christmas to mark the birth of Jesus Christ today. The state recognised Christmas as a national festival in 2006/2007. The government had announced national holiday on Christmas day. On the occasion, Christians visited churches, offered prayers and exchanged gifts with family and friends.