Haritalika Teej, one of the festivals for Hindu Nepali women, is being observed today. Crowds of women dressed in red saris have been flocking the temple of Pashupatinath since today morning.

There is a religious belief that if one fasts on Bhadra Shukla Tritiya and worships Shiva Parvati, one will attain happiness, peace and welfare. It is believed that Parvati, who fasted on this day in the Satya Yuga, got Lord Mahadev as her husband.

The temple has remained closed since the emergence of the second wave of coronavirus. Meanwhile, the local administration has called upon the people to celebrate the festival at home and avoid crowds in public places and shrines, due to the risk posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.