Nepal: Devotees gather at Mata Tirtha pond to observe Nepali Mother’s Day

Apr 30, 2022

Kathmandu (Nepal), Apr 30 (ANI): On the occasion of Mata Tirtha Aunsi (Nepali Mothers' Day), devotees thronged the sacred pond of 'Mata tirtha' located on the hillside here to pay homage to the departed souls. The festival in which people offer homage to the souls of their departed mothers wasn't held for nearly three years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On the occasion of Mata Tirtha Aunsi, thousands of devotees climb up the hill to reach the sacred pond and offer prayers. The pond, which had been closed for the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has now opened its gates for the public, bringing the fervour and gaiety back again. As a tradition of the festival, devotees wake up early in the morning, take bath and worship their mothers by giving presents and goodies. Devotees reach 'Mata tirtha' in Chandragiri municipality to pay tribute to the departed souls of their mothers. Devotees, upon reaching the scared 'Matatirtha' pond, take holy dips and observe the day by offering alms to the poor. According to the legends, during the rule of cowherds in Nepal, one of the cowherds lost his mother and was so depressed that he went to make offerings at a water storage pond in the forest.