Matatirtha Aunsi, an annual Hindu festival in reverence to one's mother, was observed across the country on Friday. The festival is celebrated among family members by giving gifts to one's mother early in the morning and receiving blessings in return.

People who have lost their mother observe the day by giving alms to priests and the poor. On the day, a big religious fair takes place at Matatirtha in Thankot, Kathmandu. Pilgrims, who have lost their mother, take a dip in the Matatirtha pond in belief that their souls will rest in peace.

Each year, the festival falls on the new moon day in the Nepali month of Baisakh according to the Lunar Calendar.