Kathmandu, February 3:

The sub-committees formed by the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) are preparing for a grand celebration of Maha Shivaratri, which falls on February 23.

The trust has formed eight sub-committees headed by trust members to guarantee convenience to pilgrims and smooth functioning of the festival. The sub-committees will look after security and cleanliness; health, bhajan (prayers) and lodging, darshan and footwear management, volunteering, decoration, information dissemination, distribution of prasad, and services to sadhus (saints).

Speaking at a programme organised by the trust, Minister for Culture and State Restructuring Gopal Kiranti said, “As this is the first Shivaratri after the country embraced republic, we are going to make sure of the grandeur that laces the biggest religious festival of the people in a systematic manner and will ensure maximum security.”

Lumbini, Janakpur and Pashupati are the core religious zones of the nation, he said. “Celebrating Shivaratri in a grand way will help turn Pashupatinath into an international religious tourism site. Talking about the controversy over the priest appointment, he said, “We have to accept the court ruling. A certain section of the locals and the foreigners gave the issue a violent turn.