Nepal PM Balen Shah Shares Emotional Post on Matatirtha Aunsi (Hindu Mother’s Day)

Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah shared a heartfelt message along with a family photograph to mark Matatirtha Aunsi, the country’s traditional Mother’s Day. The post featured Shah with his mother, wife, and child, reflecting the importance of family and maternal bonds. In his message, he invoked the Sanskrit phrase “Janani Janmabhoomi Swargadapi Gariyasi” (mother and motherland are greater than heaven), underlining the deep cultural reverence for motherhood. He expressed gratitude and respect towards mothers, describing them as the source of unconditional love, sacrifice, and guidance. Shah also extended wishes for the long life and happiness of all mothers, while adding a patriotic note by referring to “Mother Nepal” and expressing hope for the nation’s continued progress and pride.

Matatirtha Aunsi is observed according to the lunar calendar and holds significant cultural value in Nepal. On this day, people honour their mothers through prayers, family gatherings, and traditional rituals, while also remembering those who have passed away. Shah’s post, shared around the time of the occasion, resonated widely on social media, blending personal emotion with cultural and national sentiment.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Balen (@balenshah)

What is Matatirtha Aunsi and How is it Celebrated in Nepal?

Matatirtha Aunsi, popularly known as Nepal’s traditional Mother’s Day, is a deeply rooted cultural and religious observance dedicated to honoring mothers and motherhood. It falls on the Aunsi (new moon day) of the Nepali month of Baisakh, according to the lunar calendar, which usually corresponds to April or May in the Gregorian calendar. The festival holds immense emotional and spiritual significance in Nepali society. On this day, people express gratitude, love, and respect towards their mothers, recognizing their role as the first teacher and the source of unconditional care and sacrifice. It is not just a modern celebration but is deeply embedded in Hindu traditions and beliefs.

A key highlight of the festival is the visit to the sacred Matatirtha Pond, located on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Devotees, especially those whose mothers have passed away, visit this holy site to perform rituals and offer prayers. It is believed that taking a ritual bath and making offerings at the pond helps bring peace to the souls of deceased mothers. For many, this act is a way of remembering and reconnecting with their maternal roots. For those whose mothers are alive, the day is celebrated with joy and affection. Children offer gifts, sweets, fruits, and traditional food to their mothers. It is also customary to seek blessings by touching their feet, a gesture of respect in Hindu culture. Families often come together to share meals, strengthening bonds and expressing appreciation.

The cultural essence of Matatirtha Aunsi goes beyond material gestures. It reflects the broader Hindu philosophy that places mothers at the highest pedestal, often equating them with divine figures. The Sanskrit phrase “Matru Devo Bhava” (Mother is God) perfectly captures the spirit of this occasion. There are also mythological beliefs associated with the origin of the festival. One popular legend speaks of a shepherd who, while drinking water from the Matatirtha pond, saw the reflection of his deceased mother. This experience is said to have led to the tradition of honoring mothers at this sacred site.

Overall, Matatirtha Aunsi is not just a day of celebration but a reminder of the timeless value of maternal love, respect, and gratitude in Nepali culture.