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

A Nepali Hindu devotee takes a dip 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. Mata Tirtha Aunsi, a festival for mothers, occurs 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. Devotees take a holy dip in the Matatirtha pond 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 made offerings at a water storage pond in the forest and saw his mother's face appear in the water to accept his offerings. This event led to the observance of 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	#13586713
Date Taken	17 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Religion and Belief
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto

One Person Action Shot Nepali Hindu devotee sacred Mata Tirtha pond hill station outskirts of Kathmandu Nepal April 17 2026 Mata Tirtha Aunsi festival for mothers Nepali first month Baisakh end of April early May thousands of devotees sacred pond offer prayers tradition offspring wake up early take a bath worship mothers giving presents goodies Matatirtha Chandragiri Municipality pay tribute departed souls holy dip offering alms poor legends rule of cowherds cowherds depressed offerings water storage pond forest mother's face accept offerings Nepali Mother's Day homage peace departed soul photo by Subaas Shrestha NurPhoto.