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Maha Shivaratri Festival 2021 in Nepal

8th Apr, 2022

Infotrekking

Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival held just before Spring, which means 'Shiva's great night.' Nepal is home to a large number of ethnicities and religions. We embrace many festivals all year round because of this. Maha Shivaratri in Nepal is a major festival in Hinduism. Festival is the most interesting part of our lives, regardless of religion; we celebrate together, irrespective of the conflict. There is every type of religion here, and we think that each religion is beautiful and ethnic in its own right. One of the most famous Hindu festivals in Nepal, is the Shivaratri festival.

Table of Contents

What Maha Shivaratri is?

Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava Nritya, or primordial formation, destruction, and preservation on Maha Shivaratri. According to believers, Shiva protected the world from harmful poison and people began to celebrate the day as Shivaratri, thanking Shiva for saving the world. Lord Shiva has been supposed to be married on this day to Goddess Parvati. Some locations are also marked as Shiva-marriage Parvati's anniversary. It is a holiday in Nepal that every Hindu Temple in Nepal celebrates. Pashupatinath is Shivaratri's main temple with great enthusiasm. So, Millions of Hindu devotees from the country visit Pashupatinath every year to worship Lord Shiva from Nepal, Bangladesh & India. If you have not experienced this amazing festival Maha Shivaratri Festival Nepal then, come and enjoy it with us.

Significance - the story behind Maha Shivaratri celebrated:

According to Hindu mythology, there are different stories and beliefs. As the Earth was facing an imminent threat, Goddess Parvati appealed to Lord Shiva to save it from destruction. Rejoiced in his prayers, Mahadev agreed to save the world in exchange for the dedication and passion of the people of earth to worship him. From that moment on, that day became known as Maha Shivaratri, and people began to worship Lord Shiva with great dedication and devotion. From that moment on, Maha Shivaratri was known to people, and with great devotion and dedication, they began worshiping the Lord in Nepal. Some mythology also states Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness in life and in the world. In comparison to other festivals, this is a solemn occasion and is usually celebrated at night.

When is Shivaratri in Nepal?

According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Devotees celebrate Maha Shivaratri on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Magh (Feb/March). This year, Shivaratri is on 11th March 2021, which is on Falgun 27, 2077, in Nepali Year Calendar.

Celebration of Maha Shivaratri in Nepal

Thousands of devotees all over the world crowd the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, one of the Hindus' holy shrines. Devotees believed that Pashupatinath is the Guardian and Protector of Nepal's Kathmandu Valley.

Shivaratri at Pashupatinath

It is located on the holy Bagmati River, which flows into the Indian Ganges river, in open-air cremations. Pashupatinath is one of Hindus' most holy temples in the world. It is a popular destination for Shiva worship. Devotees celebrate the most important festival Maha Shivaratri in this location in a special way. Hundreds of devotees gather in groups in the Pashupatinath temple to worship Lord Shiva and Sadhu during this festival. On this special occasion, people do decorate Pashupatinath Temple with lots of lights, flowers, perfume sticks, lamps, etc. Married women pray to Lord Shiva this day for their husbands for a long and healthy life; whereas unmarried girls pray for a perfect husband. During the day, devotees, religious rituals, pujas, dance, singing, and more are alive throughout the whole Pashupati area. During Shivaratri week, a lot of Hindus will visit Pashupatinath Temple to pray and to Lord Shiva.

Various Activities and Programs during Shivaratri in Nepal

Those who are less traditional will have good music, singing, and dance fires all over the city. Smoking weeds were famous for Lord Siva; so many people will go up this day. It should be noted that pot is illegal in Nepal and that people taking part in the festivities should be cautious. On Shivaratri, while adults spend the day praying, children get to have a lot of fun. We can see the many people, children on the side of roads holding small ropes & blocking the road. They keep traffic and ask for some money. After collecting enough money, the children go to purchase sweets in the afternoon. This ambiance fascinates the tourist. It includes colorful and naked sadhus meditating, posing for pictures, and engaging with disciples. Sadhu Babas have ashes and tikka smeared all over their bodies. In Tundikhel, the Nepal Army organizes an official program. People do have different ways of celebrating this festival Shivaratri in Nepal. All they want to have some fun and enjoy the festival in their different way. In Addition, If you are looking to enjoy the Hindu culture, rituals, and tradition then, Maha Shivaratri Festival in Nepal is best for you!! Also, Info Trekking Nepal designs your perfect Nepal vacation package & pilgrimage tour in accordance with your time and budget if you'd like to see this festival. For a quick response, please contact us.

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