Kathmandu, November 24

Thousands of Hindu devotees today paid tribute to their loved ones, who died over a period of one year, by lighting oil lamps in the vicinity of Pashupatinath temple.

According to Pashupati Area Development Trust, devotees from across Nepal have congregated at one of the most scared places of Hindus on the occasion of Bala Chaturdashi, which will be observed tomorrow. The day is also called Satbij chharne din.

Camping under the open sky or in tents arranged by the PADT, the bereaved ones observed penance for the whole night lighting oil lamps and keeping themselves awake throughout the night, praying for the departed souls to rest in heaven. They also sang hymns and danced in the memory of the deceased kin.

In the wee hours tomorrow, devotees will stroll along the Slesmantak forest nearby Pashupatinath temple, scattering satbij (seven varieties of holy grains, fruits and coins). Devotees, young and elderly alike, go around Panchaganesh, Aadinarayan, Parthilshila, Jayanabgala, Rajrajeshwori, Bhasmeshwor, Kotilingeshwor, Rudrangeshwor, Bashuki temple, Harineshwor, Bhagalbhugal, Kiranteshwor, Gaurighat, Guheshwori, Gupteshwor, Namobuddha, Bahiro Ganesh, Bishworup and finally to Aryaghat, scattering satbij.

Legend has it that, every single grain scattered is as valuable as its weight in gold. The PADT has made special arrangements for the devotees. According PADT officials, more than 200,000 pilgrims are expected to visit the holy site by tomorrow.