Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri, the great night of Shiva, falls on the fourteenth night of the waning moon in the month of Falgun, usually in February or March. Devotees fast, worship Shiva and stay awake through the night.

Across the valley

The largest gathering in Nepal is at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, including many sadhus from India, arrive. Closer to Sanothimi, the temples of Doleshwor Mahadev and Kailashnath Mahadev at Sanga see long queues from early morning, and every Shiva shrine in Bhaktapur and Thimi is decorated with flowers and lamps.

Bonfires and children's roadblocks

Shivaratri comes at the end of winter, and in the evening families light bonfires in courtyards and at crossroads to keep warm and honour Shiva. A playful local custom: children stretch ropes across lanes and roads and ask passers-by for a small coin before letting them pass. Carry some small change if you are travelling by road that day.

Tips

If you plan to visit Doleshwor or Kailashnath on Shivaratri, go very early and expect heavy traffic on the Araniko Highway. Dress modestly and be patient in the queues.