Maha Shivaratri is one of the major festivals of Nepal and
literally means “Night of the Shiva”. It is celebrated on the 14th day of the
dark fortnight of the Māgha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is
believed that on this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are at most
optimum positions to help raise a person’s spiritual energy.It is also believed
that the Shiva principle is most active on this day of the year. A yogi with
holy text on his face during the Maha Shivaratri at Pashupatinath Temple in
Kathmandu, Nepal. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated marking the convergence of
Shiva and Shakti. Maha Shivaratri also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva
performed the "Tandav", the cosmic dance. Hundreds of thousands of
devotees visit Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, one of the holiest shrines of
the Hindus. Pashupatinath is considered the Guardian and Protector of the
Kathmandu Valley and Nepal.
