The Hindu festival Shivratri is one of the most prominent festivals dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. The celebration is held with great joy and devotion each year. Celebrated all over Nepal, Shivratri symbolises victory, honesty and forgiveness. Nepal houses some of the best and most significant places devoted to Shiva where ardent devotees vow to visit at least once in their lifetime. It truly is an incredible celebration and a surreal experience.
Celebrated on the 14th day of the Magha month, Shivratri is observed per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is the new moon day of the auspicious month. The next celebration falls on the 20th of February, 2020.
Shivratri in Nepal Celebrations - Religious Cultures and Traditions
Temple Celebrations on Shivratri Source The Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu: Lakhs of devotees from across the world flock to Shiva temples on this auspicious day. The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is the biggest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and witnesses more than a million devotees on the eve of Shivratri. It is regarded as one of the holiest shrines among the Hindus. Tourists from across the globe gather here to observe the eccentric sadhu babas in a meditative state, praying to Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath is revered as the Guardian and Protector of the Kathmandu Valley and the whole of Nepal.
Rituals and beliefs: Mainly related to the night, devotees stay up the entire night chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and ‘Mahamritunjaya’, praying for the victory of light over darkness along with special pujas carried out all night long. They believe Lord Shiva to help them end bad habits and change their lives for the better. Devotees are also known to fast throughout this auspicious night and day.
General practices and temple arrangements: One could witness children going about collecting donations from passers-by. Individual preparations of a holy meal and bonfire are set up to celebrate the occasion of the festival. Some devotees are even eager to distribute food to everyone present on the temple premises. Exclusive attendance camps are also set up on the temple premises for the convenience of devotees and tourists.
Major Attraction of Shivratri in Nepal - Sadhu Babas
Source
Tourists often attend these proceedings with significant curiosity, as the colourful, naked sadhus meditate and interact with their disciples. Sadhus are holy men who have renounced all worldly pleasures. The Sadhu Babas hail from different parts of Nepal and India and make for a colourful crowd. Some are covered in ashes while some choose to remain entirely naked. Tourists are often intrigued by the different kinds of Sadhus and their activities. Some even travel from across the world to observe this unique and powerful phenomenon.
Significance of Shivratri in Nepal
Shivratri is a famous festival in Nepal and also one of the most celebrated religious festivals among the Hindus. It translates to “ the Great Night of Shiva”. Shiva is a prominent deity of the Hindu culture, who has worshippers from across the world. The backstory of this festival holds in the legacy of Shiva performing the Tandav, a cosmic dance. Shivratri is widely celebrated to worship Lord Shiva on this special occasion.
The festival also signifies the union of Lord Shiva and Shakti. Devotees believe that on this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are aligned to their perfect positions to help increase their spiritual energy.
Managing the Crowd on Shivratri - Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT)
The Pashupati Area Development Trust is expecting to host nearly 1.3 million people on the occasion of Shivratri. The management unit ensures the cleanliness of temple premises. They are also trying to implement new and effective ways to manage the enormous crowd to ensure that the devotees can learn about the Puja and Darshan smoothly. The passes for Pashupati Darshan are readily available at outlets near the Pashupati area. The PADT is also working towards managing a better parking facility and decent shelters and resting places for the devotees.
Where to Celebrate Shivratri in Nepal?
Celebrated with utmost enthusiasm and zeal, Shivratri is observed in all Shiva Temples across the country. Kathmandu is the leading site of these festivities, with the most important rituals and ceremonies happening at the Pashupatinath Temple.
Myths and Legends
Several mythological legends are related to the celebration of Shivratri. According to a legend, the Earth was grappling with imminent destruction when Goddess Parvati pleaded Lord Shiva to save the world. Pleased with her prayers, Lord Shiva agreed to save the world on one condition - the people of the Earth would have to worship him with absolute passion and dedication. It is this night that came to be known as Shivratri. The inhabitants of the Earth began to worship Lord Shiva with great enthusiasm and dedicated this special day to him. Another legend says that this day marks the wedding of Lord Shiva. Other folklore claims that when Goddess Parvati asked about his favourite day, Lord Shiva exclaimed with this day.
Traveller Tips
1. You might have to stand in a long queue for hours to gain entry into the temple. Keep in mind that there might be alternate entrances to the temple, with shorter lines. It is recommended to find out about the possible points of entry and choose a suitable one.
2. Do not go too close to the sadhus as it might agitate them. There have been incidents when they have thrown ashes at the crowds. It is recommended to stay at least a few feet away.
3. You have to understand that Shivratri attracts enormous crowds that can sometimes lead to an atmosphere of chaos. Take care of all your belongings and stay together, if travelling in a group. In case you lose anything, you can visit the temple’s lost and found section.
4. In case you get lost or misplace a fellow traveller, then you can announce for them on the temple speakers. Alternatively, you can find a police person and seek help.
