Ignoring corona fears, devotees flock to Shiva temples on last Monday of Shrawan

KATHMANDU, Aug 16: Data released by the government suggests that the infection of coronavirus disease is on the rise across the country in the past few weeks. 

As an indication of the third wave, the country has been reporting 3,000 cases a day on an average. 

Most local administrations have been imposing restriction orders to curb the further spread of the infection. 

Three district administration offices in the Kathmandu Valley have put prohibitory orders in place until August 24. 

The list of activities restricted also includes any kind of religious and cultural activities and gatherings in public places, temples or shrines except the usual worships carried out by the priests. 

However, people are found  flouting public health protocol. 

The Pashupatinath Temple Area in the capital was overcrowded with the Hindu women on Monday morning. As it was the last Monday in the Nepali month of Shravan, hundreds of women made it to the temple to worship Lord Shiva on the ‘special day’ in his ‘favorite month’. 

While some of them were found without facemasks among the crowds, many of them were avoiding physical distancing. 

Hindu women worship Lord Shiva on every Monday in the Nepali month of Shrawan. The women also wear green bangles and apply henna tattoos in this month with a belief that Lord Shiva would fulfil their wishes. 

See some photos taken on Monday morning.