Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 7

Preparation for the Mahashivaratri, one of the most famous festivals of the Hindus that falls on February 18, is going on in a full swing.

"We are busy preparing for security, food and other facilities for about 0.2 million devotees coming from Nepal and India," said administrator Shyam Shekhar Jha of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT).

Ten sub-committees have been formed under the coordination of Ram Prasad Dahal and these sub-committees have been

working on various sectors such as security, health, fund collection and the management of food and lodging.

Chief District Officer of Kathmandu is the head of security management and new traffic rules will be formulated for the same. Police personnel and around 1000 scouts will be working to manage the crowd. Free health centres will be set up for the devotees.

Pashupati courtyard will be allotted for the Naga sadhus, Rammandir and four shivalayas for other sadhus and hermits, and the compound of Tilganga and Sifal for other pilgrims. Various social organisations will distribute food and other services free of cost for the devotees.

This year too, the King and the Queen are scheduled to visit Pashupatinath temple on Mahashivaratri day.

"The number of devotees is increasing every year," said administrator Jha. He advised devotees to come without valuable ornaments and jewelleries and hang identity cards.