Maha Shivaratri Season
The great night of Shiva is celebrated across Nepal with fasting, night vigils, and the worship of the Shiva lingam. The most important celebration is at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, where thousands of sadhus (holy men) gather, their bodies covered in ash, their foreheads marked with tripundra, and many smoking charas (hashish) as an offering to Shiva. The temple is illuminated with oil lamps, and the Bagmati River flows with milk from ritual offerings. Devotees fast all day and stay awake all night, singing bhajans and chanting "Om Namah Shivaya." The Nepali army performs a ceremonial guard of honor, and the president visits the temple to offer prayers. Shivaratri is one of the largest religious gatherings in Nepal. . 2026: Feb 15. 2027: Mar 5.
