Thousands gather at Pashupatinath for Mahashivaratri celebrations (photos)

Kathmandu, February 26 — The Mahashivaratri festival, celebrated in honor of the night when Lord Shiva is believed to have been born, is being observed today across the country with prayers, worship, and pilgrimages at Shiva temples.

The Mahashivaratri festival is observed every year on the Krishna Chaturdashi day of the month of Falgun, which falls on the night.

According to religious scholar Prof. Devmani Bhattarai, the festival marks the day when Lord Shiva assumed his divine form at midnight, and it is believed that performing rituals and prayers on this night brings happiness and peace in this life and salvation in the afterlife.

Devotees of the Vedic Sanatan Hindu tradition begin their day by bathing in rivers, ponds, and lakes before visiting Shiva temples to offer prayers and worship.

This auspicious night, named after the birth of Lord Shiva, is one of the four major nights—along with Kalratri, Moharatri, and Sukharatri—highlighted in sacred texts such as the Shiva Purana.

As a national cultural festival, today, in addition to four types of worship, Mahadeep, Akhanda Deep, Lakshya Deep, and a grand lighting ceremony are held at Pashupatinath.

A large number of devotees, including from neighboring India, have gathered at the Pashupatinath temple to participate in the Mahashivaratri celebrations.

Classical dance and music performances are also held at Kailashkut and Kirateshwar's music ashrams.

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