Mother's Day celebrations vary greatly around the world, featuring different dates, traditions, and cultural significance. In many countries, it is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, while others observe it on different dates, such as Mothering Sunday in the UK or specific national holidays. In Nepal, Mata Tirtha Aushi, also known as Mother's Day, is a Hindu festival dedicated to honouring mothers.
Mata Tirtha Aushi, a deeply significant festival in Nepal, occurs on a new moon day (Amavasya) of the Nepali month of Baisakh, which generally falls between late April and early May. This sacred occasion is dedicated to honouring the profound love and sacrifices of mothers, both living and deceased.
Mata Tirtha Aunsi, also known as Amako Mukh Herne Din ("Seeing the Mother's Face Day"), is celebrated annually on the new moon day of Baisakh in the Nepali lunar calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, this typically falls in April. In 2025, Mata Tirtha Aunsi is on Baisakh 14, 2082.
People gather at Mata Tirtha, a pilgrimage site located near Kathmandu, where they engage in expressions of gratitude and devotion. Visitors often participate in prayer and various rituals designed to honour their mothers. A pivotal ceremony during this time is known as shraddha, a traditional ritual specifically aimed at ensuring peace and well-being for the souls of departed loved ones. This practice holds particular significance for those remembering their deceased mothers, as it symbolises the deep respect and affection held for maternal figures.
Mata Tirtha Aunsi not only emphasises the vital role that mothers play in nurturing and supporting their families but also serves to strengthen family bonds. It fosters a sense of reverence not just for mothers but for all maternal figures, encouraging individuals to reflect on their contributions and sacrifices. Through communal gatherings and shared rituals, Mata Tirtha Aushi enhances the connections within families and communities, creating a collective atmosphere of remembrance and gratitude.
The primary temple associated with Mata Tirtha Aunsi is the Matatirtha Temple located in Chandragiri Municipality near Kathmandu, Nepal. This temple is famous for the Matatirtha Pond, where devotees take a holy dip and offer prayers. While other temples in Nepal may see some activity related to Mother's Day celebrations, Matatirtha Temple is the main destination for the Matatirtha Aunsi festival.
On this day, most people visit their mothers to present them with gifts and seek their blessings. Children ask for their mothers' blessings in hopes of health, prosperity, and happiness. Families often come together to share these special meals during the celebration.
Those who have lost their mothers may visit the Matatirtha Temple, where they take holy dips in a sacred pond and perform rituals for the peace of their departed mothers' souls. The day also involves offering mothers sweets, clothes, and other gifts, along with preparing special meals and conducting rituals.
Mata Tirtha Ausi is a deeply rooted cultural tradition that emphasises the importance of mothers and motherhood in Nepalese society.
