Feb 09, Kathmandu - As the much-awaited Maha Shivaratri festival approaches, extensive preparations are underway at the Pashupatinath Temple complex and surrounding areas. The initiatives include painting, cleaning, and infrastructure improvements aimed at ensuring a safe and smooth experience for devotees.

The Pashupati Area Development Fund (PADF) has announced that special cleaning and maintenance activities are being carried out around the temple to facilitate easier and safer darshan (viewing) for pilgrims.

To coordinate the upcoming celebrations, nine specialized sub-committees have been formed under the main festival organizing committee. According to Subhas Chandra Joshi, Executive Director and Spokesperson of PADF, “The committee is fully active in preparing for Maha Shivaratri. Efforts are focused on managing security, health, sanitation, transportation, and publicity to serve the devotees, saints, and visitors better.”

Given the expected large influx of devotees on Maha Shivaratri, special attention has been paid to crowd management, security, and emergency services. Security personnel, volunteers, and various organizations are working in coordination to ensure a smooth celebration, Joshi added.

Additionally, a 171-member core committee, headed by Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation and PADF Board Chairman Anil Kumar Sinha, has been formed to oversee preparations. The committee aims to organize the festival in a disciplined, dignified, and grand manner.

The arrival of saints and holy men from across Nepal and neighboring India has accelerated as Maha Shivaratri nears. The number of sadhus and saints in the Pashupatinath area has increased significantly, with many establishing dhunis (ashrams) at various locations for meditation, penance, and spiritual practices.

This year’s Maha Shivaratri falls on Falgun 3. As the festival approaches, religious activities in the Pashupatinath vicinity are intensifying, with increasing participation of devotees and saints.

Since Maha Shivaratri is a major Hindu festival, it is expected to draw a large number of both domestic and international pilgrims. The Pashupati Area Development Fund, along with government bodies and related organizations, remains actively engaged to ensure the event’s success and safety.