MOM'S THE WORD...
I remember when my sister and I first introduced our mom to the western notion of "Mother's Day" a few years ago, she was confused and flustered at all the sudden attention. Being from India, her notion of being a mother was as fundamental as breathing. It puzzled her to no end that somehow what she's done all her adult life in raising the two of us, meant that we should recognize her for it on her own "special day" in the year.
As this excerpt from "The Hindu" columnist Tishani Doshi eloquently explains:
Central to the concept of the mother in India is the idea of sacrifice...
The nation itself has always been mother. The entire topography of the country is dominated by the feminine; every tree, river, mountain, stream, language, claims a feminine descent.
We have an ongoing love affair with the word mother. The very word mother, uttered in any Indian language, comes packed with such powerful intonations, that if used in the right circumstances, could make the grizzliest of men sink to his knees and weep.
The word for mother in Hindi, "Ma", is the favorite word for every male Indian actor in Bollywood movies, a sure-fire opportunity to draw a tear or two from the audience, and to demonstrate their thespian chops.
So, when my sister and I first "made a fuss", on that first Mother's Day celebration, and explained the western origins and tradition of Mother's Day, she looked at both of us a few seconds, and burst into tears.
Of course, we were flabbergasted...thinking maybe we hadn't explained it correctly. I thought maybe I'd committed some Hindu faux pas. Growing up abroad all my life, and having left our home in the middle east for the US at the age of 17, I admit I'm a little rusty on many Indian traditions and customs.
We were relieved a second or two later, to see her smile, and then laugh...and proceed to give us both hugs. The rest of the day flew by with less drama and lots of laughter, stories, and some more happy tears.
So, for your mom and mine, I'd like to introduce you to Devi Mata, the Hindu Goddess of
Existence, and the manifestations of all forms of Mother. As this excellent web-site on "the discovery of God in the feminine form - the Goddess; the Divine Mother" explains in detail,
"In India the Great Goddess in general is often referred to as Devi. Devi is the sum of all manifestations or forms of the Mother. All forms be they Lakshmi, Kali, or Durga are forms of Devi. As Jaganmata, or Mother of the universe, she assumes cosmic proportions, destroying evil and ever creating and dissolving universes. She is One and she is many. In some forms she is benign and gentle and in other forms she is dynamic and ferocious."
(In the spirit of full disclosure, and since my sister will point it out anyway, I acknowledge I'm posting this picture of DeviMata in order to win points with my mom, who thinks I don't pay as much attention to Hindu culture, history, and religion as I should.)
I'm going for double points by also introducing you to her favorite Indian Goddess, 
Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity and Wealth.
This mother's day is especially special for my mom since it's the first since I got married last year. In Hindu tradition, the son's wife is considered the "Lakshmi" of the family. So, I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the first words from my mom when I called her to wish her a Happy Mother's Day, were, "Thank you...can I talk to Jennifer now?" My wife of course won't let me forget that all day today. I guess it's my turn to cry...
P.S. The role of mother goddesses is universal across all cultures through history. The site above has a comprehensive and fascinating list of these various incarnations. Highly recommended on this special day.
"Jai Mata!" (Praise be to Mother)
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