Story of Maa Da Pyaar: A Celebration of Mothers, Community, and Culture
Planning Maa Da Pyaar began with one simple goal: to honor the quiet strength of Punjabi mothers who often care for everyone else while putting themselves last. We understood that while Mother’s Day is widely celebrated, many mothers in our community especially those who face cultural, language, or social barriers do not always feel truly seen or appreciated. We wanted to create something more than just a celebration. We wanted to build a space for connection, healing, and cultural pride.
We started by forming a small planning committee made up of local women mothers, daughters, and grandmothers who brought their experiences and ideas to the table.
The heart of the event was the Maa Da Kahani storytelling circle. During this activity, elders shared traditional Punjabi stories about motherhood, and women shared their own personal experiences of strength, love, and sacrifice. There were moments of laughter and tears, and the stories brought people closer together. Younger participants listened with great respect, and many said they gained a new appreciation for the women in their families. This storytelling sparked deep conversations across generations.
Other activities included a mental wellness session that focused on self-care in culturally meaningful ways, and a food station offering traditional Punjabi snacks made in healthier, sustainable ways
Through Maa Da Pyaar, we learned that true community care starts with listening. When mothers felt heard and valued, we saw a shift in their energy. Many women who came in quietly left with new friendships, new knowledge, and a visible sense of joy. Even after the event, some mothers began meeting regularly and expressed interest in helping to lead future gatherings.
This project showed us that gathering with purpose, culture, and care can plant the seeds of lasting change. Maa Da Pyaar was not just a Mother’s Day event it was the beginning of a movement to uplift the women who are the foundation of our community.