Kwati, a traditional Nepali dish, holds a special place in the hearts of the Newar community. This delectable soup combines nine sprouted beans and is customarily enjoyed during Gun Punhi, a festival that falls on a full moon day in Shrawan (July-August) according to the Nepali calendar. Celebrating the end of the monsoon and the start of the harvest season, Kwati is cherished for its alleged medicinal qualities and its ability to boost strength and immunity.
The various beans that makeup Kwati - black gram, green gram, chickpeas, field beans, soybeans, field peas, garden peas, cowpeas, and rice bean - each contribute their own nutrients to create a wholesome meal. To prepare it, the beans are soaked until they sprout and are then cooked with a blend of spices to create a rich soup.
Yet, Kwati is more than a mere dish; it represents culture, health, and prosperity. Preparing and sharing it during Gun Punhi fosters camaraderie among families and communities. Thus, Kwati serves not only as nourishment for the body but also as sustenance for the soul.