Maha Shivaratri in Nepal: Where to visit?
- 13-Feb-2015
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Pilgrimage tour in Nepal offers an insight into diversified local culture, religion, and festivals on various occasions. Maha Shivaratri is one of the most important, in fact, the biggest festival of Lord Shiva. It is celebrated on the 14th day of full moon day on falgun and this year the date is 17 Feb 2015. There are numerous mythological beliefs regarding this particular Maha Shivaratri night however the whole night is dedicated to Lord Shiva by millions of Hindu pilgrims and devotees. Shiva temples and shrines are poured by pilgrims from all over; the main center of attraction being the Pashupatinath temple Gaushala, Kathmandu. Capture the biggest day for Hindus by joining a pilgrimage tour in Nepal on Maha Shivaratri.
During Maha Shivaratri, it’s a public holiday in Nepal. Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu is decorated and prepared for this special day. You would see the human sea around the Pashupati area. Hundreds of volunteers and policemen along with Red Cross staff are appointed on duty to avoid any accidents and manage crowds for public safety. Devotees, Sadhus from all over the world visit the Pashupatinath temple. The queue to the temple is several kilometers long and it may take more than 12 hours to get into the main temple and have a glimpse of the holy Shiva linga. People stay fasting for a day whereas lots of Sadhus take marijuana as Prasad from Lord Shiva. On this particular day, it is considered legal to have intoxicating marijuana and hashish as it is consumed openly by Sadhus whereas young boys huddle around them. Even the head of countries like the President and Prime Minister visits the Pashupatinath temple. Local media covers the live footage around the holy place and broadcast it on television, radio. During the evening of Shivaratri, people set a campfire in their home, garden, around the corners of streets; sing, dance and celebrate the night in name of Lord Shiva. In the end, we can say that the whole day and night is devoted to worshipping Lord Shiva.
It is highly recommended to take a guide with you as it is very easy to get lost in a crowd. Therefore embarking on a pilgrimage tour in Nepal during Maha Shivaratri lets you experience the best of festive activities around the Pashupatinath area, the world heritage site.
