KATHMANDU, AUGUST 25
The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has announced that it has completed all necessary preparations to manage the large number of devotees expected to visit the Pashupatinath Temple on the occasion of the Haritalika (Teej) festival on Tuesday.
According to PADT, the preparations include enhanced security arrangements, mobilization of volunteers, distribution of prasad, better management and improvement of pilgrims' queues, emergency health services, cultural programs such as devotional songs, music and hymns, decorative lighting, as well as facilities for devotees wishing to donate cows.
To streamline the movement of worshippers, four separate entry and exit routes have been arranged from the outer periphery of the Pashupati area. Devotees can enter through the north gate (Uttardhoka) via Gaurighat–Umakunda–Dakshinmurti–Rudragadeshwor–Basuki and exit through the Kailash south gate.
Another route allows entry from the west small gate via the Iron Bridge, with exit through the Shankaracharya Math south gate. Likewise, a route has been arranged for devotees approaching from Pingalasthan–Chaar Shivala–Panchdev–Bajra Ghar, passing near the Kotilingeshwar Temple before exiting through the south gate. The final route allows devotees to enter and exit through the east gate.
Inside the main temple premises, eight separate queues have been arranged to facilitate the smooth offering of prayers, according to PADT Member-Secretary Subhash Chandra Joshi.
(With inputs from Rastriya Samchar Samiti)
