KATHMANDU: Preparations for this year’s Maha Shivaratri festival have begun at the Pashupatinath Temple premises and surrounding areas, with painting, cleaning and infrastructure improvement works underway.
The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) said special arrangements, including extensive sanitation and management measures, are being carried out to ensure devotees can offer prayers in a safe and orderly manner.
PADT Executive Director and Spokesperson Subhash Chandra Joshi informed that nine thematic sub-committees have been formed under the main organizing committee to coordinate preparations for the festival.
“The committee is fully active in preparing for Maha Shivaratri,” Joshi said. “Work is underway in areas such as management, security, health services, sanitation, transportation and publicity to facilitate sadhus, saints, devotees and pilgrims.”
Given the large number of devotees expected on the day of Maha Shivaratri, special attention has been given to crowd management, security arrangements and emergency services. Joshi said preparations are being intensified in coordination with security agencies, volunteers and various organizations.
Meanwhile, a 171-member main organizing committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha, who also serves as the chair of the PADT Council. The committee aims to organize the festival in a systematic, dignified and grand manner.
As part of the festival preparations, the arrival of sadhus and saints at the Pashupatinath area has gained momentum. Sadhus from different parts of the country as well as neighboring India have begun arriving, with their presence expected to increase further as the festival approaches.
Sadhus from various akhadas and sects have started setting up their dhoonis across the Pashupatinath area for meditation, penance and spiritual practices.
This year, Maha Shivaratri falls on February 15. Religious activities at Pashupatinath have intensified with the festival drawing closer, and the PADT has noted a steady increase in the movement of devotees alongside the arrival of sadhus.
As one of the most important festivals for Hindu devotees, Maha Shivaratri is expected to draw a significant number of domestic and foreign pilgrims. The PADT, the Government of Nepal and concerned agencies are actively working together to ensure the festival is conducted smoothly and successfully.
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