April 20: Devotees in large number thronged the Matatirtha Kunda (pond) at Chandragiri Municipality-6 in Kathmandu to commemorate the Matatirtha Aunsi. They take a holy dip, pay homage and make offerings to their departed mothers.    
Matatirtha Aunsi or Mother's Day that falls on the new moon day in the month of Baisakh (the first month of Nepali year) as per the lunar calendar is observed every year in honour of mothers.    
Devotees stay awake throughout the night the day before in memory of their mothers and take a holy bath the following day.    
According to a religious belief, one can see the face of their deceased mother reflected in the pond if they imagine their mother with a pious heart and deep devotion.    
Those who lost their mothers visit the Matatirtha pond and pay homage to them while others     
visit their mothers with sweets, clothes and gifts to make them happy, and receive blessings from them.

Chandragiri Municipality has announced a public holiday within the municipality today.    

Arrangements have been made for visiting devotees, said Shanta Udas, chairperson of the Matatirtha Conservation and Development Organisation. On the occasion, over 500,000 devotees are expected to visit the pond, said Udas.  -- RSS