Hindu devotees from country have converged upon rivers, ponds, and temples since the early hours of the morning to observe the festival of Mahashivaratri dedicated to Lord Shiva.

According to Hindu scriptures, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated as a day to commemorate the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Shivaratri, one of the four nights known as Kaalratri, Moharatri, Sukharatri, and Shivaratri, holds immense significance in Hindu culture, as described in the Puranas and the Skanda Purana. It is believed to infuse faith in those facing adversities.

In Kathmandu,  thousands of devotees, including many from neighboring India, have flocked to the Pashupatinath Temple. Long queues of devotees eagerly await the opportunity for darshan, or the divine glimpse, of Lord Shiva.

To ensure the safety and security of devotees, the Kathmandu Valley Police Office has mobilized over 4,000 security personnel in the Pashupati area.

A security plan including the deployment of drones, has been implemented, with security personnel stationed at three layers.