The Shivaratri festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Pashupatinath Temple on Wednesday, attracting a large number of devotees. The temple, beautifully decorated for the occasion, witnessed an influx of both local and Indian devotees, including many babas, who caught the attention of visitors.

The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) set up seven designated areas for the sadhus, including the Nirmal Akhada and Bhairab Akhada, where food and accommodation were arranged.Shivaratri, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an important occasion for worshippers, with various rituals being performed throughout the day. Devotees engage in fasting, meditation, and chanting, and the night is marked by vigils and bhajans. Many followers observe the tradition of staying awake the entire night to seek Shiva’s blessings.

While deep spiritual practices mark the festival, cultural experts are concerned about some misconceptions, particularly the belief that consuming intoxicants like marijuana will please Lord Shiva.

Here are some photos taken by the Post's photojournalists Angad Dhakal and Prakash Chandra Timilsena.