Jan 29, Kathmandu - The Pashupati Area Development Fund has started preparations for this year's Maha Shivaratri festival. As part of the preparations, the fund has issued an invitation for applications from religious, cultural, social, educational, and industrial organizations interested in conducting service camps.

In a public notice issued today, the fund announced plans to operate various service camps offering free food, accommodation, drinking water, health services, volunteer services, and other facilities for saints, devotees, and pilgrims coming from both domestic and international locations during Maha Shivaratri. Anita Bhatta, the designated officer, informed that the fund seeks participation from organizations willing to serve and assist during the event.

Organizations interested in participating are required to submit their applications along with copies of their registration and renewal certificates issued by the respective district administration office or the Government of Nepal, in accordance with applicable laws.

The application should clearly specify the nature of the services, the number of service camps, and the duration of operation. The deadline for submission is by Magh 20 (around February 3). Applicants who do not submit their applications with the necessary details by this date will not be provided space for the camps nor be considered for participation in the service activities, Bhatta added.

The fund has also called for active participation from all sectors to ensure that Maha Shivaratri 2082 (Nepali calendar year) is observed in a grand, sacred, and spiritual manner amidst the beautiful, peaceful, and culturally rich surroundings of Pashupati, a site filled with religious, cultural, and historical significance.

According to the Nepal Panchang (almanac) approved by the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti, this year's Maha Shivaratri falls on the night of Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi, which corresponds to Sunday, Falgun 3.