Being a mother would be the proudest and at the same time the most challenging fact for a woman. It is a mother's selfless dedication and countless sacrifices that play the most pivotal role in the upbringing and well-being of her children and also in enabling the whole family sail through the most difficult of times.

And today, Mata Tirtha Aunsi or the Nepali Mother's Day, is the day for each of us to acknowledge and honor our mother for the unconditional love and care she's showered upon us.

Also known as Aamaako Mukh Herne Din, Mata Tirtha Puja and Mata Tirtha Snan, Mata Tirtha Aunsi is so called because it falls on the last day of the dark moon fortnight of the month of Baisakh in the Hindu calendar.

Nepali households are upbeat and engaged in festive moods this day. People of all ages celebrate the entire day with their mothers and present them with sweets and other delicacies, new clothes and gifts of all kinds as a show of respect and love in return for their invaluable contributions in their lives. Sons and daughters living far off or separately also pay visits to their mothers for the celebrations. So the day also provides an opportunity for reunion to many families.

Meanwhile, those who don't have their mothers perform puja and give presents in their mother's name. Many such people visit the holy site of Mata Tirtha near Kathmandu on this day and take holy bath in the pond there. There is also another pond in Mata Tirtha where it is believed one can see his or her mother's face upon the pond's water. It is a popular belief that a visit to the site will please the mother's departed soul.

Mata Tirtha Aunsi may not be a grand festival but it still holds a great significance in Nepal as this is the day when one gets to express and pay back in whatever way he and she can for what the mother has done for him and her.