Shiva Ratri, also known as the night of Lord Shiva, is the most significant festival celebrated at Pashupatinath Temple and many other shrines in which Lord Shiva is worshipped. It is dedicated to promoting family unity and fertility.
The dance of primordial creation, preservation, and destruction, known as the Tandava Nritya, is said to have been performed by Shiva for the first time on Shiva Ratri, according tofolklore.
Lord Shiva prevented the end of the world by performing this act of devotion. Shiva Ratri commemorates both the day Shiva came to Mount Kailash for the first time and the day he got married to Goddess Parvati.
Pashupatinath Temple is crowded with devotees and pilgrims from all over Nepal and India, including Sadhus who are barely clothed holy men with long locks of hair and covered in ashes. These ascetics come to see the precious Shiva Lingam. Numerous Nagas execute their unique dance while igniting the fire.
Pashupatinath is a must visit location for those who want to feel a variety of emotions at once; all thanks to the hypnotising spiritual energy here.
Here are few tips that will help you celebrate Shiva Ratri in Nepal:
Do not eat anything and everything
On Maha Shiva Ratri, people worship Lord Shiva and devour various foods such as halwa and malpua.
People also consume intoxicating substances like Gaja (Weed), Bhang (Cannabis), Datura (Thorn-apple), Ghotta (Sweet drink with marijuana), and many more in addition to other delicacies.
If you’re walking around and someone offers you something to eat, inquire about it first. Do not consume anything immediately. Few of such delicacies leave you euphoric or unconscious even for days.
So, be cautious about what you eat during Shiva Ratri and enjoy the festival without any mishaps.
Be ready to see naked Sadhus
On the occasion of Shiva Ratri, Hindu saints from India and throughout the world gather at Pashupatinath to worship Lord Shiva. If you’re near the Pashupati area during Shiva Ratri, expect to see old saints covered in ashes and without clothing. They stay up all night naked to demonstrate their devotion to Lord Shiva.
It is the encouragement of nudity, yet it is also referred to as tradition. Although the number of such nude saints has diminished, there is still a good probability that you will witness at least one of these old saints with long dreadlocks covered in ashes.
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Carry some change
According to Nepalese custom, on the day of Shiva Ratri, kids block the road and won’t let go until you pay them some cash. It is a tradition, not begging. Only vehicles are subject to this, although you may cheer them up by giving them some cash.
They do not demand large sums of money. Carry Rs. 5, Rs. 10, or Rs. 20 bills with you and offer to them if they block your road.
Be Cautious
Be cautious in all you do, and take good care of yourself and your belongings. Many individuals will be strolling around, either intoxicated or high. You might want to avoid such folks.
There will be a large crowd on this day at popular attractions like Pashupatinath. So, keep your stuff safe against pickpocketing, robbery, or theft.
Also, take care of yourself and avoid anything that is doubtful.
Compiled By: Rebika Bishokarma
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