KATHMANDU:- Sanatani in Nepal and around the world are celebrating Mahashivaratri today with deep religious fervour, offering prayers to Lord Shiva and observing traditional rituals.

The festival, considered one of the most sacred days dedicated to Lord Shiva, is believed to bring peace, prosperity and spiritual fulfilment to devotees. On this occasion, worshippers take ritual baths in rivers and ponds before visiting Shiva temples to offer prayers and homage.

Many devotees observe fasting throughout the day, while others remain awake all night ‘jagaram’, singing hymns and chanting in praise of Lord Shiva. Bonfires are also lit at homes, temple premises and public squares as part of the celebrations.

In Kathmandu, classical dance performances are being staged at Kailashkut and Kirateshwor within the premises of the Pashupatinath Temple, adding cultural vibrancy to the religious observance.

The Pashupatinath Temple witnesses a massive influx of pilgrims every Mahashivaratri, with devotees arriving from across Nepal as well as neighbouring India to pay homage.

Meanwhile, the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has said that special arrangements have been made to facilitate visitors.

All four doors of the Pashupatinath temple have been opened from 2:00 am today to facilitate pilgrims for their easy homage.

According to PADT, necessary preparations have been completed to ensure smooth management of the large number of devotees expected on the occasion.

Apart from Pashupatinath, large crowds of devotees have gathered at other Shiva temples in the Kathmandu Valley, including Gokarneshwor Temple and Doleshwor Mahadev. Similar scenes of devotion are being witnessed at Shiva shrines across the country.