With the Maha Shivaratri festival at the doorstep, preparations are in full swing for one of the biggest Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Pashupati Area Development Trust has started decorating the Pashupatinath temple area, while sadhus from various parts of Nepal and India have started arriving at the temple to observe the festival.

The festival falls on February 18 this year.

Here are some pictures of the preparations captured by Post photographer Keshav Thapa.