Maha Shivaratri - A Night of Lord Shiva

Shivaratri literally means the night of Lord Shiva is one of the major festivals of Nepal.  On this occasion 

hundreds of thousands of followers from different parts of Nepal and India come to the Pashupatinath temple – one of the holiest shrines of the Hindus in Kathmandu to worship Lord Shiva on his birthday. Lord Shiva , the god of the gods is considered as the guardian and protector of everything that exists. Colorful and naked sadhus, the wandering sages who emulate Shiva with ashes over their bodies, give lectures to disciples, meditate, or practice yoga. Since, Lord Shiva is fond of  "Gaja" , "Bhang", "Dhaturos"(Some common Narcotics) it is social to take these on this special occasion. Whereas overdose is not accepted. Special attendance camps are set in the courtyards of the temples situated at the opposite bank, where non-Hindus are also free to wander.  The curious can witness some rather interesting yogic demonstrations there.  Children collect donations from passersby since the morning to buy necessary items to prepare holy meal and bonfire during the evening.
People make bonfire at junctions and homes at the evening and warm themselves sitting by the fire eating Prasad the holy meal.