Kathmandu, April 27 — Thousands of Hindu devotees gathered at the Mata Tirtha temple on Sunday to observe Mata Tirtha Aunsi, also known as Nepali Mothers’ Day.
The festival, held during the first month of Baisakh (late April to early May), saw worshippers circumnutating the hilltop temple and offering prayers in remembrance of their mothers and ancestors.
“Today, I came here to pay homage to my ancestors and donate alms in their name,” said Tanka Prasad Dotel, a 75-year-old devotee. ”
We believe that by donating alms, the soul of our ancestors will find peace in heaven. We also seek their blessings as we walk up here.”
The Mata Tirtha site, a symbol of deep maternal devotion, draws large crowds each year. Devotees trek up the hill to reach the sacred pond, where they believe the souls of their departed mothers find peace.
Rooted in ancient traditions, Mata Tirtha Aunsi is a time for expressing gratitude towards mothers, who, according to Hindu scriptures, are revered above even teachers and fathers.
“On this day, we honor our mothers by offering sweets and seeking blessings for their well-being,” said Laxmi Lamichhane, another devotee who visited the site with her parents.
“It’s a tradition to wake up early, bathe, and give gifts to our mothers.”
The origins of the festival are steeped in legend. According to one story, during the time of cowherds in Nepal, a young man, grieving the loss of his mother, went to a forest pond to make offerings.
Miraculously, he saw his mother’s face in the water, accepting his offerings. From that moment, the day became known as Mata Tirtha Aunsi, a day to honor the memory of mothers.
Devotees believe that paying homage at this sacred site on this day brings peace to the souls of their mothers, reaffirming the timeless bond between mother and child.
