Guthi Sansthan allocates Rs 4 million for Maha Shivaratri preparations

KATHMANDU: The Guthi Sansthan has allocated Rs 4 million for the management of this year’s Maha Shivaratri festival.

At a press conference on Tuesday at the Sansthan’s headquarters in Tripureshwor, spokesperson and Chief Legal Officer Janak Pokhrel said Rs 800,000 has been set aside for purchasing firewood, while Rs 3.2 million will cover festival operations. The Sansthan confirmed that all preparations for Maha Shivaratri have been completed.

In collaboration with the Pashupati Area Development Fund, arrangements have been made for firewood, meals, and designated spaces for the ascetics residing in the Pashupati area, Pokhrel added.

On February 15, the Sansthan’s Pashupati branch office will present Panchamrit and other puja items to the Pashupatinath temple, and lights will be lit around the temple in the evening.

The Sansthan also said that on February 17, ascetics who visit Pashupati for Shivaratri will be offered appropriate honorariums (dakshina) before departure.

Throughout the festival, arrangements for firewood, meals, and refreshments will be provided to ascetics and mahants at various locations in the temple area.