Father’s Day, Gokarne Aunsi and Kushe Aunsi

Kushe Aunsi / Father’s Day / Gokarne Aunsi / Buwa ko Mukh Herne Din

Nepalese respect the relationships with their Father, Mother, Teacher, and other family members. In Nepal, most of them are followers of the Hindu religion and hence, there are specified days that are especially celebrated paying homage to them. For example, Kushe aunsi as Father’s day, Matathirtha aunsi as Mother’s day, Guru Purnima as Teacher’s day, etc.

Kushe Aunsi falls on the dark fortnight of Bhadra Month and is celebrated all over Nepal. Father is considered the strongest pillar of the family, the protector, the teacher, the savior, and the main head of the family. This special day is a way of paying respect and homage to the Father for his immense love and care. The sons and daughters present them clothing, favorite food, and different kinds of stuff. Those who can meet their father will take varieties of sweets and confectioneries, fruits, etc. to make him happy. But those who are away from their father will keep in contact via phone or the Internet. Those who have lost their father will give a Sida daan to the pandit/priest. “Sida” is the mixture of rice grains and “daan” means donating. They do the Sraddha or Pinda daan for paying homage to their deceased father. Gokarna is one of the famous places for Father’s day for performing the rituals.

Popularly known as Pitri Tirpani Aausi or Gokarne Ausi, this day is totally dedicated to the Father. The ways of celebration depend upon the place, ethnicity, and religion. On this day, “Kush” – a holy grass is brought to the home. It is a tradition of Kushe Aunsi. This grass is used in almost all the rituals and poojas of the Hindu religion. It is a custom of tying kush around the finger as a ring. It has its own significance which is clearly explained in Shreemad Bhagwat Geeta, Atharvaveda, Vishnu Puran, and Garud Puran. Also, a scientific reason is this Kush grass absorbs radiation and harmful rays. Hence, it is beneficial to wear the Kush ring to stay protected from the bad vibrations in the surroundings and purify the body. Kush grass cannot be grown anywhere. It requires a selective type of soil, a magnetic path location in nature.

Kushe Aunsi is always a special day for the sons and daughters and their fathers. The happiness of the celebration of this day is really incredible. The gatherings of family members bring a joyous and merry environment to the family. The literal meaning of “Buwa ko, Mukh Herne Din” is to look at the face of the father, the sons and daughters worship and spend quality time with him the whole day as much as possible.