July 28, 2025

Shivaratri, literally meaning “Night of Shiva,” is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated across Nepal and India, devoted to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration. Falling in February or March (on the 14th night of the dark fortnight in the month of Magha or Phalguna), this festival marks a night of intense worship, fasting, and spiritual reflection for devotees who seek Shiva’s blessings for health, prosperity, and inner transformation.

In Nepal, the epicenter of Shivaratri celebrations is the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, one of the most sacred Shiva shrines in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of pilgrims, sadhus (holy men), and devotees gather here to chant hymns, offer prayers, and perform rituals throughout the night. The temple complex glows with flickering oil lamps, and the air is thick with incense and the sound of bells and conch shells, creating a deeply spiritual and electrifying atmosphere.

Devotees observe a strict fast and often stay awake all night in vigil, participating in pujas (rituals) and meditating on Shiva’s cosmic dance—the Tandava. The festival is also linked to various legends, including Shiva’s marriage to Parvati and his cosmic act of consuming poison to save the universe. Across Nepal, many smaller Shiva temples hold vibrant celebrations, drawing local communities into the sacred rhythm of Shivaratri.

For visitors, Shivaratri offers a profound opportunity to witness Nepal’s living Hindu traditions at their most intense and transformative. The festival not only reveals the spiritual devotion of millions but also highlights the cultural fabric that binds Nepal’s diverse communities.

Time of Year: February or March (14th night of the dark fortnight in Magha/Phalguna)

Location: Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu) and Shiva temples throughout Nepal

Duration: 1 night (with related rituals before and after)

What to Expect: Night-long worship, fasting, chanting, oil lamp offerings, sadhus’ gatherings

Interesting Facts:

  • Pashupatinath attracts over 100,000 devotees during Shivaratri
  • Many sadhus smear ash and wear rudraksha beads as symbols of Shiva
  • The festival celebrates Shiva’s cosmic dance and divine marriage