Kathmandu, December 11
The Balachaturdashi festival is being observed nationwide today to commemorate departed souls. Devotees have congregated in Shiva temples, including the Pashupatinath Temple, since last night to participate in the festivities.
At night, devotees light lamps to honour departed family members and spend the night in vigilant observance. In the early hours of the next day, they sow the Satbeej (seven kinds of grains) around the temple premises.
The festival formally commences on the 13th day of the waning moon in the month of Mangsir (November/December), and today, it concludes with the ritualistic spreading of Satbeej around the shrines dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
A large number of devotees thronged the Pashupatinath Temple to observe the Balachaturdashi festival. Those unable to visit Pashupatinath, go to Shiva shrines near their homes.
In anticipation of the Balachaturdashi festival, the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has imposed restrictions on the production, transportation, sale, purchase, storage, and consumption of alcohol and meat in the vicinity of the Pashupatinath Temple until December 13.
Violation of this order is punishable as per existing laws.
According to the PADT, the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and PADT workforces have been mobilised to ensure there are no incidents during the festival.
