Verified Festival Dates
Upcoming Year
1 Days
2026 / २०८३
AD: February 15, 2026
BS: 3 Falgun 2082
Main Day: February 15, 2026
Previous Year
1 Days
2025 / २०८२
AD: February 26, 2025
BS: 14 Falgun 2081
Main Day: February 26, 2025
Nepal Festival Guide
Maha Shivaratri (महाशिवरात्रि)
The Great Night of Shiva drawing a million devotees and holy sadhus to sacred Pashupatinath.
Cultural Significance & Meaning
Celebrates Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance (Tandava) and his divine marriage with Parvati. Pashupatinath Temple on the Bagmati River is the most revered Shiva shrine in the Himalayas.
Key Ceremonies & Traditions
- Hundreds of thousands of devotees queue for hours from 3 AM to offer milk, bael leaves, and water at Pashupatinath.
- Sadhus (Naga Babas, Aghoris) gather in courtyards chanting mantras around sacred wood fires (Dhuni).
- Devotees observe all-night vigils (Jagaran) and light evening bonfires in neighborhoods.
Traveler Impact & Logistics
What visitors need to know about transport, crowds, and business operations
Closures & Crowds
National public holiday. Massive security deployment and pedestrian-only zones around Gaushala.
Transport & Booking
Roads within 2 km of Pashupatinath are closed to private vehicles.
Best Places to Experience Maha Shivaratri
Top cities and heritage hubs with authentic celebrations
Pashupatinath Temple
Witness South Asia’s most intense gathering of holy ascetics, riverbank rituals, and evening Maha Aarti.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-Hindus enter Pashupatinath on Shivaratri?
Non-Hindus cannot enter the inner temple sanctum, but can freely explore the surrounding temple complex, Ghats, Sadhus’ encampments, and watch rituals from across the river bank.
Festival Quick Facts
Category:
religious pilgrimage
Crowd Intensity:
Extreme
2026 Gregorian Dates:
February 15, 2026
2083 Bikram Sambat:
3 Falgun 2082
Visit During Maha Shivaratri
Plan a personalized itinerary that aligns with festival dates and connects your chosen destinations.