19 August 2020, Kathmandu
Father’s Day also known as “Buwa ko Mukh Herne din”, is being celebrated across the country today. It is a Hindu festival that is observed to honor and pay tribute to fathers both living or dead.
The festival is unique to Nepal and is celebrated during Bhadrapada, a lunar month in the Hindu calendar. It takes place during the month’s dark fortnight.
On the occasion, sons and daughters express their love and reverence towards their fathers, who are highly regarded as the pillars of the family and the community in Nepali culture, by offering gifts and sweets.
After the presentation of gifts, it is customary for sons to touch their fathers’ feet with their foreheads, while daughters will touch their hands. This tender gesture is known as “Buwa ko Mukh Herne” or “looking upon father’s face.”
This year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people in large number have not seen at marketplaces in the country though observing fathers day by exchanging sweets, fruits, and gifts and relaying sweet messages for their beloved fathers.
On the occasion, those whose fathers are deceased used to visit Gokarneswor Mahadeva temple of Gokarna, a village located east of Kathmandu, and pray for peace to the departed soul. The shrine has special significance for Hindus because they believe it was the dwelling site of Shiva, who is attributed with having the special affinity with the souls of the dead.
