Thousands of devotees gathered at Matatirtha Kunda in ward 6 of Chandragiri Municipality on Friday to observe Mata Tirtha Aunsi, a festival dedicated to honouring mothers.

Pilgrims took ritual baths in the sacred pond and offered prayers seeking the “liberation of their mothers’ souls.” Many believe the rites help them repay maternal debt.

Mata Tirtha Aunsi falls on the new moon day of Baisakh in the lunar calendar. The annual observance draws large crowds to the holy site southwest of Kathmandu.

On the occasion, families honour living mothers with gifts and meals, while those whose mothers have passed away offer prayers and make donations to the needy in their memory.