Mahashivaratri, also known as "Night of the Shiva", is observed every year on the 14th day of the waning moon in the Nepali month of Falgun. This festival is largely celebrated by people following Hinduism.

According to Hindu mythology, this festival is celebrated for the life of Lord Shiva, one of the triumvirates of the Hindu pantheon, who is believed to have drunk poison to save humankind and gods from annihilation. Shivaratri is one of the four nights known as Kaalratri, Moharatri, Sukharatri and is regarded as one of the greatest festivals in the holy scriptures of the Hindus—the Puranas.

During this day, Pashupatinath Temple witnesses a large surge of Sadhus (holy sage) and devotees on the premises to offer their worship. Also, the devotees all over the country celebrate the great festival of Mahashivaratri by worshipping Lord Shiva at various rivers, ponds and temples.

The religious belief is that if one offers milk, Dhaturo (a kind of intoxicating plant) and 'Belpatra' to Lord Shiva and observes night-long fasting, he/she will receive divine blessings.

The following photos, captured by US Peace Corps volunteers in the 1960s and 70s, show people worshipping Shiva with great enthusiasm at a different period in history.