Mata Tirtha Aunsi, also known as Ama ko Mukh Herne Din, is a Nepali festival celebrated on the new moon day of the Baisakh month (April/May), aiming to honor mothers and express gratitude for their unwavering love and sacrifices.
Mata Tirtha Aunsi is a festival that recognizes the significant role mothers play in our lives, from fostering our development in the womb to shaping our individuality, and serves as a powerful reminder of this sacred bond.
Celebrating Mom with Joy: Preparations for Mata Tirtha Aunsi
Mother’s Day, or Mata Tirtha Aunsi in Nepal, is a joyous day marked with love and custom. Days in advance, houses are cleaned and adorned, and special meals are prepared.
On the day of the celebration, hundreds of people assemble to do puja (prayer) at Matathirtha, a holy pilgrimage destination. Many people also take a holy bath in a river or pond to ask for blessings for their mothers.
Beyond the city, the spirit of community flourishes in rural areas where traditional dishes are prepared, and festive feasts are organized. In the Newari community, daughters undertake special visits to their mothers, bearing gifts of sweets, fruits, and performing rituals.
Across Nepal, variations in celebrating Mata Tirtha Aunsi exist. Yet the essence remains the same: honoring mothers and expressing immense gratitude for their love and sacrifices. Whether it’s a pilgrimage to Matathirtha, a community feast, or heartfelt family rituals, the day unites all of Nepal in celebrating motherhood.
The beauty of Mata Tirtha Aunsi’s preparations!
A Day Rooted in Tradition
The exact origin of Mata Tirtha Aunsi remains unclear. While some believe the festival might have been started by King Ratna Malla during the Malla dynasty (14th-18th centuries), legends surrounding Matathirtha pond suggest a more ancient origin.
The Significance of Aunsi
According to Vedic texts, Mata Tirtha Aunsi, which is observed on the day of the new moon (Amavasya), is a significant occasion. The Amavasya Sukta, performed at Aunsi, emphasizes the interdependence of all things by symbolizing the connection of the earth and the moon.
Mantra for Mata Tirtha Aunsi
Here’s a significant mantra chanted during Mata Tirtha Aunsi:
स्नात्वा करोतिम य्: श्राद्धं माघो: कृष्णकुहौ दिने ।
वियोग न भवेन्मातु: वार्धक्येऽपी सुनिश्चितंम ।।
तृप्ता भवति तन्माता स्नानमात्रेण चात्र वै ।
ऋण: प्रमुच्यते सद्धो मातृगर्भस्थितोभ्दवै ।।
This translates to:
One who takes a holy bath in the Mata Tirtha pond on Baisakh Krishna Aunshi, does not need again to come in mother’s womb for next life. One shall get salvation from human life, and achieve moksha.
More Than a Celebration – A Bond Strengthened
Mata Tirtha Aunsi is more than just a celebration day; it serves as a reminder of the importance of mothers in our lives. It’s a time to give thanks, cherish memories, and show appreciation for our mothers. It’s also a time to strengthen relationships with those who gave birth and shaped us.
Promoting Nepali Culture Through Tradition
Mata Tirtha Aunsi is a celebration that promotes Nepali culture, strengthens connections with our ancestors, and showcases the rich heritage of the country, thereby enhancing our global understanding of Nepali culture.
Also Read:https://whatthenepal.com/2024/05/07/lumbini-seminar-a-city-of-peace-buddhist-education/
