Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is the festival devoted to Lord Shiva. The festival usually falls on the month of February.The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael leaves to Shiva, all-day fasting and an all-night-vigil (jagaran). People throng to the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva throught the country.They fast for the whole day and worship Lord Shiva wishing for the well-being and prosperity of themselves and their family members. According to one of the most popular legends, Shivaratri marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Some believe that it was on the auspicious night of Shivaratri that Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava’, the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction. Another popular Shivratri legend stated in Linga Purana states that it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Linga. Hence the day is considered to be extremely auspicious by Shiva devotees and they celebrate it as Mahashivaratri - the grand night of Shiva. 

A great fair is organised at the Pashupatinath temple, lying on the bank of holy Bagmati river, on this day. Hundreds of thousands of devotees from around the country and different parts of India come to the temple permises to offer worship to Lord Shiva. Sages and Sadhus from India and Nepal add extra charm to this festival. nepal Army also observe a special military parade as the Maha Shivaratri also coincides as the Army Day.