KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 25

On the eve of the Maha Shivaratri festival, 2081, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli visited the Pashupatinath Temple this evening and offered obeisance.

During his visit, he performed pooja and aarati at the temple and received a briefing from officials of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) regarding the festival preparations.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli directed PADT officials to ensure that the festival is conducted in a safe, disciplined, dignified, and well-organized manner. He also instructed them to facilitate a smooth and accessible darshan experience for devotees and pilgrims.

Accompanying the Prime Minister were Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey, Ministry Secretary Binod Prakash Singh, Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Rishiram Tiwari, and other officials.

Devotees present at the temple premises expressed their delight at the Prime Minister's visit to Lord Pashupatinath's shrine, a sacred site deeply revered by Hindus.

A grand fair and special worship ceremonies will be held at Pashupatinath on Wednesday to mark Maha Shivaratri.

Meanwhile, PADT has announced that all festival preparations have been successfully completed.

Additionally, the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, has issued a notice prohibiting the production, sale, transportation, storage, and consumption of meat, alcohol, and intoxicants within the four forts of Pashupatinath Temple from February 24 to 27.