Mother’s day being celebrated with love, warmth

Families in Bangladesh and around the world are observing International Mother's Day 2025 on Sunday, celebrating the exchange of love and appreciation between mothers and their children, reports UNB.

Although not a public holiday, this year's Mother's Day coincides with Buddha Purnima — the most significant religious festival for Buddhists and a national holiday in Bangladesh — allowing many mothers and children to spend quality time together on this special occasion.

Mother's Day originated in the early 1900s through the efforts of American activist Anna Jarvis, who was inspired by the belief that no one contributes more to a person's life than their mother.

Following the death of her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, in 1905, Anna began campaigning for the observance of a day dedicated to mothers. Her efforts led to the first official celebration in 1908 at a church in Grafton, West Virginia.

In 1914, the United States officially recognized the second Sunday of May as Mother's Day. Anna Jarvis's campaign led to the holiday's formal adoption, which later spread worldwide.

Today, the day is observed globally as a tribute to the care, sacrifice, and lifelong support that mothers provide.

In Bangladesh, people are honoring their mothers with gifts, heartfelt messages, and homemade meals. Those living apart are staying connected through phone calls and video chats. Meanwhile, many are offering prayers for the souls of their beloved mothers who are no longer alive.

Social media platforms are flooded with tributes from everyday users and celebrities alike. Messages, photos, and cherished memories are being widely shared to celebrate motherhood.

Shops, restaurants, and online services are offering special discounts for Mother's Day celebrations. Many families are taking advantage of these offers to mark the occasion in meaningful ways.

Cultural programs are being aired on television, radio, and OTT platforms across Bangladesh, adding to the festive and emotional atmosphere of the day.

As part of the International Mother's Day 2025 celebrations in Bangladesh, Universal Medical College Hospital is honoring 12 mothers with the 'Gorbini Maa Sommanona 2025', marking the 12th year of this annual recognition.

Among the awardees are the mothers of three prominent entertainment figures — actors Sumaiya Shimu and Abdun Noor Sajal, and singer Dilshad Nahar Kona.

The awards will be presented at a special event on Sunday afternoon at the RAOWA Convention Center in Dhaka, alongside honors for mothers of high achievers in fields such as law, education, journalism, healthcare, engineering, and public service.

Additionally, many other organizations are recognizing the mothers of notable personalities, while numerous celebrities are sharing heartfelt tributes to their mothers on social media.