Preparations are in full swing at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu for the grand celebration of Maha Shivaratri, one of the most revered Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva is revered as the ‘God of Gods’ in Hinduism. In the Hindu Trinity, Lord Brahma is the creator, Lord Vishnu is the protector, and Lord Shiva is the cosmic dancer and destroyer, symbolizing the cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution in the universe.
Hindus believe that worshipping Shiva on this auspicious night, which falls on the fourth day of the waning moon in the 11th month of the Nepali calendar, brings peace and prosperity. The festival falls this year on Wednesday, February 26. It is one of the four sacred nights—Kaalratri, Moharatri, Sukharatri, and Maha Shivaratri—dedicated to divine worship.
The temple premises get abuzz with activity as thousands of devotees from Nepal and India arrive to pay homage. A major highlight of the festival is the presence of Sadhus—ash-smeared ascetics who have begun gathering at Pashupatinath from different parts of Nepal and India.
As part of the celebrations, people light bonfires in homes, public squares, and temples, chanting hymns throughout the night.
Authorities are actively decorating the temple and making logistical arrangements for the massive influx of visitors.
Read: Traffic and Security Plan in Place for Mahashivaratri Festival
To ensure smooth communication, Nepal Telecom is working to prevent network congestion, while Ncell is distributing free SIM cards. Meanwhile, social media enthusiasts and content creators are capturing the vibrant atmosphere, adding to the festive spirit.
Tourists from various countries have also started arriving to witness the grand event.
New Business Age’s Sunil Sharma captures the vibrant and spiritual atmosphere of Pashupatinath in these photos.
