Maha Shivaratri | Amazing Festival In Nepal For Hindus and Non-Hindus

Maha Shivaratri is one of the most important and popular festivals in the Hindu Religion, celebrates once a year in Nepal. It falls in the month of February or March late winter season. This festival is also well known for “The Great Night of Lord Shiva”, which the government of Nepal also has declared a public holiday for the past years.

Generally, the Hindus of not only Nepal and India but also from the corners of the world make their choice to join this festival and travel to Nepal. Even professional photographers prefer to travel to Nepal to capture amazing images during the Maha Shiva Ratri festival on the bank of the Holy River “Bagmati” since it is the perfect destination for photography in Nepal. This festival is very popular for travelers from India since they follow Hinduism and love to worship God Shiva once in their lifetime.

How do people celebrate Maha Shivaratri in Nepal?

Some of the devotees are very dedicated and keep self-awake for the whole night and, most of them chant the Shiva Mantra “Om NamahShivaya” and, worship Shiva Lingam by offering Milk, Curd, Rosewater, Honey. The Shiva lingam is the stone phallic of Lord Shiva. During worship, leaves of “Aegle marmelos” should place on the top of the Lingam and around. It believes that they are sacred and called home to Laxmi (the goddess of wealth).

In Nepal, Pashupatinath is a Holy Temple, where Millions of devotees from India and Nepal get together to celebrate and, do a bonfire on this special day. Hindu myth believes that, if devotees worship Pashupatinath on this day by offering Elaeocarpusganitrus (Rudraksha) and Aegle marmelos, this is equivalent to offering 1000 Cows and food to the 1000 Brahmans.

What to do in Maha Shivaratri in Nepal?

Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal and other parts of the world to honor Lord Shiva, one of the major deities in Hinduism. In Nepal, Maha Shivaratri is a national holiday and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. Here are some things to do during Maha Shivaratri in Nepal:

1. Visit Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple, located in Kathmandu, is one of the most important Hindu temples in the world and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. On Maha Shivaratri, thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and perform rituals.
2. Observe fasting: Many Hindus in Nepal observe a strict fast on Maha Shivaratri, where they do not eat or drink anything for the entire day. This is believed to purify the body and mind and to please Lord Shiva.
3. Perform puja at home: Many people in Nepal perform puja (worship) at home on Maha Shivaratri. They offer milk, honey, and other items to the Shiva Lingam (symbol of Lord Shiva) and recite prayers and hymns.
4. Take a dip in the holy river: It is believed that taking a dip in the holy river on Maha Shivaratri can wash away sins and bring blessings. Many people in Nepal take a dip in the Bagmati River, which flows near the Pashupatinath Temple.
5. Enjoy cultural programs: Many cultural programs, including music, dance, and dramas, are organized on Maha Shivaratri in Nepal. These programs showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and add to the festive atmosphere of the day.

Maha Shivaratri is an important festival in Nepal, and there are several ways to celebrate and observe the day. Whether it is visiting temples, performing puja at home, observing fast, taking a dip in the holy river, or enjoying cultural programs, Maha Shivaratri provides an opportunity to connect with the divine and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.