As the Mahashivaratri festival begins on Monday, preparations are on full swing for the biggest Hindu festival dedicated to the Lord Shiva.

Pilgrims and Sadhus, known as 'holy men' from various parts of Nepal and as far from India are coming in to observe the festival.

The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) said that around 5,000 Sadhus are expected to be seen in the festival this year as compared to 7,000 of last year. The PADT is learnt to have released Rs 1.1 million for the accommodation and food for Sadhus visiting the temple on the occasion of the Mahashivaratri.

The PADT said that 1.1 million devotees from across the country and abroad, including India, are expected to be the part of the festival.