Mother’s Day is a special occasion celebrated around the world, honoring the love, sacrifice, and enduring bond between mothers and their children. International Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year. This tradition is followed in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and several countries in Europe and Asia. In 2024, International Mother’s Day falls on May 12th. It is a day to honor and appreciate the love, dedication, and sacrifices of mothers and mother figures whereas in Nepal, this day is known as “Mata Tirtha Aunsi” and holds great cultural significance, as it falls on the new moon day in the lunar calendar month of Baisakh (April/May).
Mother’s Day is not only about celebrating the specific day showing gratitude, immense pleasure to her but it’s also about celebrating every moment with our mothers. On Mother’s Day in Nepal, families gather to express gratitude for their mothers through various traditions, such as giving gifts, cooking special meals, and visiting sacred sites. However, the spirit of honoring mothers is not limited to just one day. Rather, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of mothers in our lives and the need to express appreciation.
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate their mothers in a way that aligns with their faith. Proverbs 31:28 beautifully captures the essence of honoring mothers: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” This verse underscores the importance of recognizing and appreciating the pivotal role mothers play in the lives of their families. Nepalese Christians often find ways to integrate their cultural traditions with their faith on Mother’s Day. By doing so, they deepen the meaning of the celebration, emphasizing family, love, and respect. The Christian teachings on honoring one’s parents resonate with Nepali customs, creating a beautiful blend of faith and tradition.
After 20 long years of anticipation, Manju Shiwakoti, an Australian citizen, finally celebrated Mother’s Day with her mother. This emotional reunion marks a poignant moment in Manju’s life, as she embraced her mother with joy and gratitude, cherishing a dream that had been in her heart for two decades.
A Dream Fulfilled for Manju, the long wait to be with her mother on Mother’s Day was worth every moment of longing. Her heartfelt desire to share this special day with the woman who gave her life finally became a reality. The reunion was a touching celebration of their enduring bond and a tribute to the strength of family ties.
A Blessed Moment as Manju and her mother spent the day together, they created lasting memories filled with love and happiness. Manju’s mother expressed her own gratitude, overwhelmed with joy at being reunited with her daughter after so many years apart. This day was a blessing for both of them, a precious moment that will be remembered for years to come.
A Message of Love and Blessings Manju’s story is a testament to the power of patience, love, and perseverance. Her journey reminds us of the importance of treasuring our loved ones and never taking time for granted. Let this heartfelt reunion inspire others to cherish the relationships they have, to show love and appreciation to their mothers and family members regularly.
Living Each Day with Love The joy Manju and her mother experienced on this special day serves as a reminder to live each day with love and gratitude. Every day offers an opportunity to express our affection for those who mean the most to us, creating moments of connection and deepening the bonds we share.
Manju Shiwakoti’s 20-year wait to celebrate Mother’s Day with her mother ended with a heartwarming reunion that exemplifies the enduring strength of family and love. As we celebrate this beautiful moment, let us take away the message of living each day with gratitude and expressing our love to those who bring joy and meaning to our lives. Let every day be a chance to embrace our loved ones, just as Manju did on her long-awaited Mother’s Day.
Written By:
Supriya Shrestha
Reporter
Grace Witness Nepal
