Thousands of Hindu women thronged the Pashupatinath Temple to worship the Lord Shiva on the occasion of Teej festival on Wednesday.  

Decked in red saris and salwar kurtas, women of all age groups waited in queues to enter the main temple complex from four designated routes from early morning till late in the evening. Many devotees danced on Teej songs echoing all around.

According to Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) over 500,000 devotees worshiped the main temple.

This year PADT had arranged the open area in Bankali area for performing dances for the participants. Both men and women danced and sang to celebrate the festival. “Time has changed, men and women are equal now, so there is no rule that only women should celebrate the festival,” said a man who had come with his wife.

Teej,  also known as Haritalika, is celebrated by Hindu women by observing fast and worshipping Lord Shiva wishing for their husbands’ longevity. Unmarried women also observe the festival to pray for good husband.