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Feb 14, 2026By TheParentZ Counsellor
You know what? While the world celebrates Valentine's Day on February 14th, many Indian families have started celebrating something much closer to home, Parents' Worship Day, or Matru Pitru Poojan Divas.
If you're hearing about this for the first time, don't worry. You're not alone. Let us walk you through what this day means and why it's becoming more popular across Indian states.
What Exactly is Parents' Worship Day?
Matru Pitru Poojan Divas literally means "Mother-Father Worship Day." It's celebrated on February 14th every year as an alternative way to celebrate the love between parents and children.
The day started in 2007 and has since been officially recognized in several states, including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, and parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat. In many schools and colleges in these states, children worship their parents instead of celebrating Valentine's Day.
The beautiful thing? It's rooted in our own culture. Remember the story of Lord Ganesha? When asked to circle the world, he simply walked around his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, saying they were his entire world. That's the spirit behind this day.
Why This Day Matters for Indian Families
As parents, we don't often get a formal "thank you" day. Mother's Day and Father's Day exist, but they're more Western in nature. Parents' Worship Day feels different because it connects with something we already know: the deep respect for parents that's part of Indian culture.
In our tradition, we've always believed "Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava," mother and father are like gods. This day simply gives families a dedicated moment to practice what we've always believed in.
How is Parents' Worship Day Growing?
The trend is picking up, especially in schools. Here's what's happening across India:
- In Chhattisgarh, since 2012, government schools officially celebrate this day. Parents are invited to schools where children perform small pujas and offer flowers.
- In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, education departments have encouraged schools to organize special programs on February 14th, focusing on parent-child bonding.
- In Gujarat, several schools and colleges organize events where students express gratitude to their parents through cultural programs and simple worship ceremonies.
The best part? It's not about grand gestures. It's about taking a moment to acknowledge everything parents do.
Simple Ways Your Family Can Celebrate
You don't need to wait for your child's school to organize something. Here are some simple ways to celebrate at home:
Traditional Touch
- Perform a simple puja: Your children can offer flowers and apply tilak (kumkum) on your forehead. It doesn't have to be elaborate; even a single flower with genuine love works.
- Seek blessings: Children can touch your feet and take your blessings, just like we do during festivals.
- Aarti: If your family is comfortable, do a quick aarti. It creates a beautiful, memorable moment.
Modern Ways to Connect
- Write it down: Ask your children to write what they appreciate about you. Even young kids can draw pictures or write one line.
- Share stories: Spend time talking about your own childhood and your parents. It helps children understand the chain of love and respect.
- Cook together: Prepare your family's favorite meal together. Food brings everyone closer.
- Photo time: Take family photos. Years later, these pictures will remind everyone of this special bonding time.
Make it Meaningful
- No phones: Keep mobiles aside for at least an hour. Just talk, laugh, and be together.
- Plan a family activity: It could be as simple as watching a movie together or going for a walk in the park.
- Express gratitude: Both ways! You can also tell your children what makes you proud of them.
Conclusion
In our busy lives, we often forget to pause and appreciate the relationships that matter most. Parents' Worship Day gives us that gentle reminder.
Whether you're a parent of toddlers or teenagers, whether you live in a joint family or a nuclear setup, this day can mean something special for you. It's not about religion or rituals; it's about love, respect, and the beautiful bond between parents and children.
So this February 14th, take a moment. Let your children express their love. And you, as parents, soak in that warmth. Because these small moments? They're the ones we remember forever.
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