Kathmandu, April 16

Mother’s Day was celebrated today throughout the country.

People visited their mothers with sweets, fruits and other delicacies and clothes and presents to make them happy and receive blessings from them.

People who have lost their mothers visited Matatirtha to celebrate Matathirtha Aunshi in memory of their deceased mothers.

Culture expert Hari Ram Joshi said the practice of paying homage to one’s mother has been observed since ages. He said, “Mother is one who gives birth to a child. She gives love and education and takes care of her children throughout her life. She is, in other words, an embodiment of the gods — Brahma, Bishnu and Maheshwor for her children.”

Thousands of devotees visit Matatirtha to commemorate the Matatirtha Aunsi and pay homage to their departed mothers. Every year, devotees pay homage at the Matatirtha Kunda (pond) to mark the day.

According to myth, people whose mothers have died can see their faces in Matatirtha Kunda on the new-moon day of the month of Baisakh.

It is said that Lord Ram came to this place with his wife Sita during his 14 years of exile. Sita was thirsty and asked for water. Lord Ram shot an arrow in the ground and created the pond to quench her thirst. From that time, this day had been celebrated by Hindus as Mother’s Day.

According to myth, the soul of the departed mother comes to this holy site and a devotee can see her face in the pond water on this day. The devotees offer sweets and flowers to the pond in the belief that their mothers will accept the offerings and bless them.