Kathmandu, Feb 18: Many Nepali Hindus are observing the Mahashivaratri festival by offering prayer to and worshiping Lord Shiva today, on Fagun Krishna Chaturdashi (the fourth day of the waning moon in the month of Phagun), as per the lunar calendar.
According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, Brahma took the form of Shiva in the midnight of Krishna Chaturdashi of Fagun. So this day is observed with prayers, pooja, and visit to Lord Shiva’s shrines. Hindus believe that the observation of the Mahashivaratri brings peace and prosperity to one’s life.
From early morning today, devotees take bath in rivers and ponds, visit Lord Shiva’s shrines and pay homage.
The day is regarded as the most favourite day of Lord Shiva, who it is believed to bring happiness in the hearts of those living in difficulty.
Fasting is observed by some on the day and the night is observed with a vigil (jagram), celebrating Shiva.
People also make fire at home, on public squares and at temples, chant hymns and take prasad on the occasion.
Classical dances are performed at Kailashkut and Kirateshwor of Pashupati area in Kathmandu.
The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is thronged by devotees from across the country and neighbouring India.
Meanwhile, Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has said it has made special arrangement to facilitate the visitors, its member-secretary Dr Milan Kumar Thapa shared. All four gates of the temple would remain open from 3:00 am on Saturday.
There will be three major queues outside and five inside for devotees to wait for their turn to reach the main temple.
Culture promoting national unity-VP Pun
Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun said religion, culture and tradition have been promoting national unity by maintaining mutual goodwill and fraternity among the Nepali people.
In his message of best wishes today on the occasion of Hindu’s grand festival Mahashivaratri-2079 BS, Vice-President Pun said Nepal was a multiethnic, multilingual, multicultural and naturally diverse country. He urged all to
“Our fundamentals religion and culture are the shared identify-marker of Nepal. They are our assets. I urge all to gradually remove anomalies and aberrations of our religion, culture and festivals”. He added.
Also on the occasion of the Nepali Army Day-2079, Vice-President Pun wished all ranks and files of the Nepal Army (NA)m including Chief of the Army Staff.
He lauded the NA’s role in peacekeeping missions and elevating the glory of the country outside.
He also expressed the confidence that the NA would gradually modernize itself gaining further strengths.
NC President Deuba extends best wishes on Mahashivaratri
Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has mentioned that our all festivals are the pillars of social relations and cultural harmony.
Extending best wishes on the occasion of Mahashivaratri, NC President said Nepal is a country which has different festivals, religions and cultural traditions and its own culture of respecting each festival. He further said Mahashivaratri is an important and holy festival celebrated by worshiping Lord Shiva by Hindu people.
These festivals have helped to establish bases for unity and reconciliation among all by developing collective spirit, he said, wishing for peace, happiness and prosperity of all Nepalis on the occasion of Mahashivaratri.
