About Shivaratri

Shivaratri, the night of the Lord Shiva, is the biggest Hindu festival celebrated mainly in Nepal and India. It is celebrated in every lunar-solar month of the Hindu calendar before the arrival of summer. It is celebrated by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues.

In Nepal, Shivaratri is especially celebrated widely in temples all over the country, but especially in the Pashupatinath temple. Holy rituals are performed all over the nation. Many people gathered around Pashupatinath temple and participate into different religious activities like: Bhajan, Kritan, Puja and Patha. Whereas, some people might abuse this day by taking weed and joint in the name of Lord Shiva. Weeds and joints are regarded as the Prasad of Lord Shiva.

Devotees chant “Om Namah Shivay” and “Mahamritunjaya” all night praying for light over darkness. Tourists are seen enjoying the ambiance with curiosity, as colorful and naked sadhus are seen meditating, posing for photographs and interacting with disciples. As Shivaratri is mainly related with the night, the devotees stay up all night and pray to Lord Shiva.