PADT prepares for Shivaratri celebrations

KATHMANDU, MARCH 6: The Pashupatinath Area Development Trust (PADT) is gearing up for the celebrations of the Mahashivaratri festival this year. The festival, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, is being observed on March 8. Sadhus and the devout have started arriving in the Pashupatinath area for the Shivaratri festivities. The PADT has announced a ban on the supply of meat products and alcoholic beverages around the temple area, starting tomorrow, Wednesday, given the festival.

Today, the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, issued a notice regarding the ban on the supply of meat products in specific areas: east from the Gaushala Mitrapark roadway, west from the east border of the Pashupati area, north from the Gaushala Tilganga ring road, and the entire southern area from Guheshwori via Mitrapark-Umakund-Gaurighat.

This restriction will remain in force until March 10. The ban aims to observe the festival in a dignified manner, respecting the religious, and cultural significance, and the sanctity of the Pashupatinath area. Production, transportation, sale, purchase, storage, and consumption of alcohol and meat have been prohibited in the vicinity of the Pashupatinath Temple during the Shivaratri festival.

The area is being decorated in preparation for the festival, according to PADT member-secretary Raju Kumar Khatri. This year, the PADT expects around two million devotees to visit the temple on the occasion of Mahashivaratri. It assures that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure devotees can pay homage to the Hindu god conveniently. However, there is no provision for a special pass to enter the temple to observe Mahashivaratri this year. —