Sunday’s Maha Shivratri turned Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath Temple into a pulsating hub of spirituality, with massive crowds honoring Lord Shiva. Comparable to Kedarnath and Kashi Vishwanath, this revered site saw an unprecedented influx of worshippers echoing ‘Har Har Mahadev’ across its premises.
Thousands from Nepal and neighboring India arrived pre-dawn, met by gates opened at 2 a.m. PADT Executive Director Shubhas Chandra Joshi noted that 100,000 had prayed by 9:30 a.m., with numbers climbing steadily.
Holy men, including over 3,000 sadhus and 150 Naga babas from India, added to the mystic aura through rigorous practices. PADT provided meticulous support for their sustenance and shelter.
Expecting upwards of 700,000 pilgrims—many from India—the trust implemented stringent protocols for crowd handling, safety, healthcare, and cleanliness.
The day’s energy, alive with rituals and devotion, encapsulated the essence of Maha Shivratri: a bridge between the divine and the devoted, leaving an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.