Mata Tirtha Aunsi (Nepali Mother’s Day)

Mother’s Day is a special occasion—an opportunity to express gratitude and love to your mother through gifts, heartfelt gestures, and quality time. In Nepal, this day is commonly known as Mata Tirtha Aunsi and Ama ko mukh herne din. It typically falls in April or May. This day is dedicated to honoring mothers and maternal figures, which hold deep cultural and social significance.

Mata Tirtha Aunsi is celebrated on a special day called Aunsi (New Moon Day), and it falls on the first month of the Nepali calendar, i.e., Baisakh. Among all the Aunsis, this Aunsi is considered one of the best. In Hindu culture, there is a belief that if grains are dried under the scorching sun on the day of Aunsi, then there will be no insects in them. Similarly, celebrating Mother’s Day on the day of Aunsi is believed to strengthen the mother-child bond, indicating that there will be no rifts in the relationship. Additionally, this day is also seen as the day uniting the worlds of Devas (deities), Pitri Loka (ancestral realms), and Prithvi Loka (earthly realms), suggesting a unique link between the spiritual and physical worlds. This element further makes Aunsi a suitable day for the celebration of Mother’s Day.

There are two ways to celebrate Mata Tirtha Aunsi. Those who have living mothers visit their mothers, seek blessings from them, spend quality time with some delicious foods and provide gifts. Whereas, some celebrate this day in Mata Tirtha, a place located on the outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley. There is a myth behind the celebration of Mother’s Day at Mata Tirtha. According to one legend, a cowherd lost his mother and was disheartened and lonely. Seeking solace, he visited Mata Tirtha Pond. There he kneeled before the pond, served some offerings, and began to pray for his mother. To his surprise, he saw the reflection of his mother in the water,indicating that his prayers reached the spirit. Inspired by this story, people visit Mata Tirtha Pond on Mother’s Day to offer prayers and to connect with the memory of their deceased mothers. They bring offerings to the pond, bathe in the sacred water, and light Diyo (an oil lamp) in memory of their mothers. Some also perform traditional Hindu rituals of Shraddha to honor their deceased mothers.

On Mother's Day, people gather to give gifts, share meals, and spend quality time with their mothers. It’s common for sons to touch the feet of their mothers as a sign of respect. Both sons and daughters receive blessings from mothers. Thus, this tradition reinforces the bond between mother and child and allows families to express gratitude and celebrate the love and blessings that they receive from their mothers. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring mothers and recognizing their significant roles in the family.

Mata Tirtha Aunsi is a day of celebrating motherhood and womanhood and the unconditional love, strength, and support mothers provide throughout their lives. It’s a day to thank the most important woman in our lives and to express appreciation for their enduring love and guidance. While this day is significant, the spirit of Mother’s Day should inspire us to cherish and honor mothers throughout the years. 

“To all the incredible women who nurture, guide, and inspire, may this Mother’s Day bring you the love and gratitude you truly deserve. Happy Mother’s Day!!!" -reCulture Family

Written by:
Anusha Thapa
Content Creator,
reCulture.np