Maha Shivaratri is one of the important festivals of Nepal, which is celebrated by Hindus. It falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month Magh according to the lunar calendar. On this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are at the optimum positions which helps to increase the spiritual energy of an individual. It is also believed that on this day Shiva’s principle is most active.

Known as the Night of the Shiva, Maha Shivaratri is marked as the convergence of Shiva with Shakti. It celebrates the night when the Lord performed the cosmic dance called Tandav. The festival is celebrated in different Hindu temples of Nepal, but out of all the most exciting celebration takes place at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.

Maha Shivaratri at Pashupatinath Temple

The festival has its charm on Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, which is one of the holiest shrines for Hindus in the world. The temple is the Guardian and Protector of the capital of Nepal. Devotees and followers from Nepal and India gather at Pashupatinath Temple to worship the Lord. More than thousands of Sadhus gather at the temple wearing ashes on their bodies. The temple is surrounded by wandering sages who meditate, perform yoga, and give Lord Shiva’s guidance to the disciples.

Bonfires are lit, devotees enjoy music, dance, and the Pashupati complex is crowded. People smoke ganja on this day calling it a prasad from the Lord himself. Visitors, without the purpose of worshipping, also visit the temple to enjoy its charm and feel enchanted. Worshippers chant Om Namah Shivay and Mahamritunjaya all night and pray for light over darkness. The tourists enjoy seeing the ambiance with curiosity. Naked Sadhus roam on the complex’s premises with full attention from the visitors.

One of the most celebrated religious festivals of Hindus, Maha Shivaratri, brings Hindus from all over the world at Pashupatinath Temple and other different Shiva temples in Nepal. The festival is mainly celebrated at night. People sing mantras all night, lit bonfires, gather around it, enjoy cosmic dances, and be part of the holy puja. Prasad is prepared for the entire mass of the people and the tents along the Gaushala road are occupied by the visitors.