Modern Mother's Day has become ingrained in Indian culture and is annually observed on the second Sunday of May. In India, the celebration of this day is not tied to any religious significance. Instead, it is predominantly confined to urban areas where the occasion has undergone considerable commercialization.

History and Origins of Mother’s Day

The modern celebration of Mother’s Day, as observed in India and globally, is largely inspired by the American version of the holiday, which was founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908. Jarvis organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration in West Virginia to honor her late mother, who had been an activist for peace and healthcare. By 1914, the U.S. officially recognized the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

In India, the observance of Mother’s Day began to take shape in the 20th century, especially in urban areas, as global influences from Western culture spread through the media and social platforms. Over time, it has become a day for expressing gratitude and appreciation for mothers and their contributions to family and society.

How Mother’s Day is Celebrated in India

1. Gift Giving:

   • A common way to celebrate Mother’s Day in India is by giving mothers thoughtful gifts such as flowers, cards, chocolates, jewelry, or personalized items like photo frames, mugs, or custom-made keepsakes. Handmade gifts from children are also popular as they add a personal and emotional touch.
   • Online shopping platforms, especially during Mother’s Day, offer special deals and promotions on gift items targeted for this occasion.

2. Spending Quality Time:

   • Many families celebrate Mother’s Day by spending time together. Children often surprise their mothers with breakfast in bed, take them out for lunch or dinner, or arrange small family gatherings to celebrate their mother’s love.
   • Some families may also indulge in activities like going to the movies, taking trips, or spending the day at home relaxing and bonding.

3. Social Media Tributes:

   • Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are filled with heartfelt posts, pictures, and tributes to mothers on this day. People share memories, messages of gratitude, and stories of how their mothers have impacted their lives.
   • Hashtags like #HappyMothersDay, #MothersDayIndia, and #MotherLove are widely used.

4. Cultural Events and Campaigns:

   • Schools, organizations, and local communities often organize special events and campaigns for Mother’s Day. These may include cultural performances, poetry readings, essay writing competitions, or special awards to honor mothers in the community.
   • Media outlets, including television and radio stations, often run Mother’s Day-themed programming, showcasing films, songs, and interviews that highlight the importance of motherhood.

5. Mother’s Day in Spiritual Context:

   • In India, motherhood is deeply revered, and mothers are often compared to goddesses in religious and spiritual contexts. For example, Goddess Durga and Goddess Parvati are worshiped as mother figures who symbolize strength, protection, and nurturing care.
   • Some people celebrate Mother’s Day by visiting temples to offer prayers for their mothers' well-being and longevity, or by performing religious rituals at home.

6. Charity and Acts of Kindness:

   • Many people choose to celebrate Mother’s Day by giving back to society, engaging in acts of kindness, or participating in charity events. This may include donating to orphanages, women’s shelters, or organizations that support mothers in need.
   • Some families make donations or volunteer in the name of their mothers, emphasizing the values of selflessness and compassion often associated with motherhood.

Motherhood in Indian Culture

Motherhood holds a special place in Indian society. Indian culture places a high value on the matriarchal role, with mothers traditionally seen as the primary caregivers and nurturers of the family. The concept of "Matri Devo Bhava" (Mother is equivalent to God) is deeply ingrained in Indian philosophy and teachings, underscoring the respect and reverence given to mothers.

• Mother Figures in Indian Mythology: Many mythological stories and texts in India highlight the importance of mothers. Figures like Mother Earth (Prithvi Mata), Mother Ganga, and goddesses like Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Kali embody maternal qualities such as nurturing, wisdom, and protection.
• Influence of Bollywood: Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood, has played a significant role in glorifying mothers. Several films have portrayed mothers as central characters, symbolizing sacrifice, unconditional love, and strength. Movies like "Mother India" (1957) and "Deewaar" (1975) have iconic portrayals of mothers that have shaped public perceptions of motherhood in Indian society.

Modern Trends in Celebrating Mother’s Day in India

In recent years, Mother’s Day in India has expanded beyond family gatherings and gift exchanges to include larger celebrations in various sectors:

1. Corporate Celebrations: Many companies and organizations host special Mother’s Day events for their employees. These may include gifting, contests, and workplace initiatives to acknowledge the working mothers within the organization.
2. Mother’s Day Promotions: Brands and businesses run extensive promotional campaigns leading up to Mother’s Day, particularly in the retail, beauty, and hospitality sectors. Restaurants offer special Mother’s Day menus, while spas and wellness centers promote relaxation packages for mothers.
3. Mother’s Day Content Creation: Content creators and influencers across social media platforms create Mother’s Day-related content, including vlogs, DIY gift ideas, and heartwarming tribute videos to engage their audience.

Challenges Faced by Mothers in India

Mother’s Day is also a time to reflect on the challenges that mothers face in India, particularly in balancing work and family life. Despite the reverence given to mothers in Indian culture, many women face societal pressures, lack of support, and challenges in healthcare and maternal rights.

• Maternal Health: India has made significant strides in improving maternal health, but challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare and prenatal/postnatal care may be limited.
• Work-Life Balance: Working mothers often face challenges balancing professional responsibilities with their roles as primary caregivers. Lack of childcare facilities, extended maternity leave, and workplace support are key issues.
• Empowerment and Rights: Many advocacy groups and NGOs use Mother’s Day as a platform to raise awareness about maternal rights, gender equality, and the need for policies that support mothers, including access to education, healthcare, and financial independence.

Conclusion

Mother’s Day in India is an evolving celebration that blends modern customs with traditional values. While it is a time to celebrate and appreciate mothers, it also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the broader challenges that mothers face in society. Whether through gift-giving, family gatherings, or acts of charity, Mother’s Day in India is a heartfelt occasion that honors the timeless role of mothers as the bedrock of love, care, and strength in families and society.