Shivaratri

Shaivism is one of the most dominant religions in Nepal and one of the significant dates in Shaivism is Shivaratri. 

Several stories are mentioned in Skanda, Padma, and Lingam Puranas describing the power of Shivaratri and the tradition probably originated in the 5th century CE. 

There is no clear outline of where Shivaratri originated, however, there is clear evidence that Shivaratri is seen as a festival of Kashmir. Kashmiri pandits connect Shivaratri to the marriage of Shiva and the goddess Parvati. 

Kashmiri Pandits cook traditional food especially fish and mutton while in India and Nepal, they strictly adhere to vegetarian traditions. 

Millions of people gather in Lord Shiva temples in Nepal and India, out of which Pashupati is one of the most notable destinations in Shivaratri.

Around 1.5 million visitors alongside 3,500 sadhus from India and 1,000 nude saints (Digambar baba) visited Shivaratri in 2023. 

That year, Jagadguru Nischalanda Shankaracharya of Purvamnaya Sri Govardhana Peeetham of Puri Odisha visited Pashupati temple for the first time and inaugurated Adya Shankaracharya Temple on the premise of Pashupati on the auspicious festival of Shivaratri.  

In 2023, Pashupati Development Trust spent Rs. 8 million on beautification. Nearly a million people visited Pashupati for the festival. 

There was also discussion to provide free wifi as Sadhus, who technically denounces the materialistic world, is now known to be using smartphones. Digital infrastructure has been a good medium for gurus to be connected to their students. However, it was seriously considered that free wifi would also distract volunteers from performing their duties. 

Pashupati Area Development Trust used to distribute marijuana to Sadhus until 1995 but since Sadhus were found selling and distributing marijuana that tradition was stopped. 

During the festival residents are seen burning holy fire in front of Shiva temples as well as in front of their own houses, it is believed that half burnt wood and sticks from holy fire protect the house from any evil. 

As per Padma Purana and Shiva Purana, Naga Sadhus surround themselves with five burning fire piles and meditate, and the fire celebrated in Shivaratri may have links to this tradition.

In Nepal, Shivaratri is the day when the founder of the Shah dynasty of Nepal formed his first army troop. As a result, Shivaratri in Nepal is also celebrated as Army Day. 

Nepal is a country with a large number of festivals and extremely rich elaborative traditions. Nepal has been compared to 

Shangri La, a paradise, a romantic exotic utopia. Festivals can be the most film-worthy topic in Nepal and give a glimpse into Nepal’s exotic and magical culture.