Editorial photo #13586716 Religion and Belief
Nepal Observs "Matatirtha Aunsi"- Nepali Mother's Day
A Nepali Hindu devotee performs rituals at Mata Tirtha pond on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 17, 2026, during Mata Tirtha Aunsi, also known as Nepali Mother's Day. Mata Tirtha Aunsi is a festival for mothers that 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 sacred 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, accepting his offerings. This event led to the establishment of Mata Tirtha Aunsi, with the belief that visiting this place and paying homage brings peace to the departed soul of one's mother. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)
