Kathmandu, September 2
Kushe Aunshi, also known as Father’s Day, is being observed across the country today. Hindus across Nepal are celebrating the day by bringing kush, a sharp-edged holy grass, into their homes.
According to religious expert Prof Dr Ramchandra Gautam, there is a belief that keeping kush, brought by priests and consecrated with sacred mantras, in the house ensures the well-being of the household. The Hindu community considers kush, tulsi (basil plant), peepal, and shaligram (ammonite stone) as symbols of Lord Vishnu.
The day is also celebrated as Father’s Day, or Gokarne Aunshi. On this occasion, people honour their fathers with gifts and special food items, including sweets, as a sign of respect and love. Major marketplaces in the capital have been bustling since the morning, with people shopping for sweets, fruits, and gifts for their fathers.
Following the religious belief of pitridevo bhava (respect for ancestors), sons and daughters seek blessings from their fathers. Those whose fathers have passed away visit pilgrimage sites to perform shraddha, a holy ritual in remembrance of the deceased. This practice is believed to ensure the stability and continuity of the family lineage.
A special fair is organised today at the Gokarneshwor Mahadev Temple, located in the northeastern part of Kathmandu, which is also known as Uttargaya. This is why today’s Aunshi is also called Gokarne Aunshi. A large crowd gathers at the temple to offer tarpan, pind daan, and sidadan in memory of their departed fathers.
Additionally, the day marks the birth anniversary of Nepali litterateur Motiram Bhatta, who made significant contributions to enriching the Nepali language and literature.
