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Nepal Observs "Matatirtha Aunsi"- Nepali Mother's Day

Nepali Hindu devotees perform rituals in the sacred Mata Tirtha pond located in a hill station on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 17, 2026, while observing Mata Tirtha Aunsi, also known as Nepali Mother's Day. Mata Tirtha Aunsi is a festival for mothers that falls in the Nepali first month Baisakh (end of April/early May), when thousands of devotees climb the hill to reach the sacred pond and offer prayers. Traditionally, offspring wake up early, bathe, and worship their mothers by giving presents and goodies. Those without living mothers visit Matatirtha in Chandragiri Municipality to pay tribute to their departed mothers. Upon reaching the sacred Matatirtha pond, devotees take a holy dip and observe the day by offering alms to the poor. According to legends, during the rule of cowherds in Nepal, a cowherd who lost his mother became so depressed that he made offerings at a water storage pond in the forest, where he saw his mother's face appear in the water to accept his offerings. From that day, this occasion became known as Mata Tirtha Aunsi, the Nepali Mother's Day. People believe that visiting this place and paying homage on this day brings peace to the departed soul of their mother. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13586709
Date Taken	17 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Religion and Belief
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto

Large Group of People Nepali Hindu devotees rituals Mata Tirtha pond hill station Kathmandu Nepal April 17 2026 Mata Tirtha Aunsi Nepali Mother's Day festival for mothers Baisakh end of April early May thousands of devotees sacred pond prayers tradition offspring early morning take a bath worship mothers presents goodies Matatirtha Chandragiri Municipality tribute departed souls holy dip alms to the poor legends cowherds water storage pond forest offerings peace homage departed soul Subaas Shrestha NurPhoto.