Mata Tirtha Aunsi
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Mata Tirtha Aunsi is the equivalent of mother’s day and is a special occasion in Nepal. This is one of the widely celebrated festivals that falls on the first month, Baisakh (April/May), of the Nepali Year. It is called Mata Tirtha Aunsi as it falls on a new moon night. In Nepalese context Mother’s Day is celebrated day that brings families gather for lunch, exchange their love, whilst mother accept tokens of their children’s appreciation and fully support. This festival is view in the commemoration and respect of the mother.
Each household bustles with activities on this day and everyone, regardless of age participate. Unlike other festivals there are not much religious ceremonies on this day. Even small children on this day dig into their savings to buy gifts for their mothers. If the sons and daughters are living separately, they make it a point to come to their mother’s place with presents, delicacies and spend time with her. As always, mothers bless their sons and daughters for long life, good health and prosperity. On this day, married daughters also come to their mother’s house and celebrate the day with offerings of fruits and sweets. In Newari communities, married daughters offer eggs, fruits, raksi (alcohol), wo (made from black lentil), curd & gifts to their mothers. These items are known as Sagan in Newari community.
There’s a saying in Nepal – ‘Janani Janmabhumishya Swargadapi Gariyashi’ means that mother and the motherland place is celestial than the heaven too.
On this day people who don’t have mothers, go to Mata Tirtha Pilgrimage. The place is located south west of central Kathmandu. In this pilgirmage, there are two pools where thousands of devotees flock in high reverence of their deceased mothers. After the holy bath and worship, they donate some items with money to the Brahman priests there who are around that place that day citing religious booklets. They also give some goods and money to the poor and needy people. An ancient scripture believes that if someone makes a donation on this day, it automatically reaches the heavens where the deceased live and they will be blessed for the lifetime from her.
There’s a story that in the ancient times, this place was home to many a cow-herdsmen. One of the cow-herdsman was so depressed by his mother’s death that he went to pray and make offering at one of the pond in the forest on this day. Miraculously, his mother’s face appeared and her hand accepted the offering so that it is known as Mata Tirtha, where many hope to see their mother’s face.
