The Pashupatinath Area Development Trust (PADT) is in full swing preparing for the upcoming Mahashivaratri festival, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, on March 8 this year.
Sadhus and devotees have begun flocking to the Pashupatinath area in anticipation of the Shivaratri festivities. To ensure the sanctity of the festival, PADT has announced a ban on the supply of meat products and alcoholic beverages around the temple area starting from tomorrow, Wednesday.
Today, the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, issued a notice specifying the areas where the ban on meat products will be enforced. The restriction will be applicable until March 10, covering specific zones around the Pashupatinath Temple.
This prohibition aims to uphold the dignity of the festival and respect its religious and cultural significance. Production, transportation, sale, purchase, storage, and consumption of alcohol and meat are strictly prohibited in the vicinity of the temple during Shivaratri.
According to PADT member-secretary Raju Kumar Khatri, the area is undergoing extensive decoration to prepare for the festival. It is anticipated that around two million devotees will visit the temple during Mahashivaratri this year.
PADT assures that all necessary arrangements are being made to facilitate devotees’ homage-paying to Lord Shiva. However, there will be no provision for special passes to enter the temple for observing Mahashivaratri this year.
05th Mar 2024
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