Teej - Women's Festival of Hindus

In every Hindu festival or a religious ceremony a women is an equal participant as a man. There is one festival 

which is purely and exclusively for women. This is the "TEEJ" festival when women have the whole stage to themselves and menfolk, and children are shooed away. It is the wish of every woman in the world to have the best possible life partner. In the Hindu society, this wish takes on religious overtones and women not only pray to have best life partner but also fast and pray for the longevity and prosperity of their husband once they are married.

There is a legend surrounding this festival. In the mythological past Parbati, the daughter of Himalaya Parbat, hence the name Parbati, fell for Lord Shiva who, among gods, is also referred to as divine ascetic.

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.