Shivaratri Observed Peacefully

Mahashivaratri, one of the greatest festivals of Hindus, is being celebrated across the country by offering prayer to lord Shiva.
Hindu devotees are thronging the temples of lord Shiva and worshipping him for well being in their lives.
Mahasivaratri festival is celebrated every year on the 14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month Falgun in the Hindu Calendar.

A sadhu at Pashupatinath Temple

The most significant practices on this day are offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva, fasting and all night long vigil.
There is long queue of devotees in Pashupatinath temple of the capital.
The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has set up two main queues leading to Pashupati temple and a ramp in the temple premises, near its main gate, to facilitate pilgrims. One queue has been managed via Mitrapark-Umakunda-Kailash-Basuki temple and the other via Gaushala-Banakali Dharmashala and Pancha Deval.

Sadhu Blessing a boy on Shivaratri

Starting new provision from this year, the PADT has decided not to bar devotees from offering homage to lord Pashupatinath during the royal visit to the temple as previous years.
Tight security has been managed to check any untoward incident during the festival.
The PADT is expecting nearly 400,000 devotees to visit Pashupatinath temple as compared to 250,000 devotees of last year. The PADT also informed that about 4,000 sadhus (saints) were expected this year. nepalnews.com pb Feb 16 07