KATHMANDU, Feb. 24: Around five thousands yogis, santa and mahasanta from India are visiting the Pashupatinath Temple on the occasion of Mahashivaratri festival this year.
The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has estimated that around Rs. 14 million will be spent for food and accommodation of the saints coming to the temple on Mahashivaratri including dakshina (financial offering during farewell) to them.
As per age-old tradition, saints from India visit the temple on Mahashivaratri. The 110-year-old Milanbaba from Kamrup Kamaksha has already arrived to Pashupatinath to observe the Mahashivaratri.
Cleanliness of the temple and its premises, Bagmati river and paintings have been completed. Arrival of saints and temporary installation of Vaishnawidevi Temple at Banakali are the central attractions for the devotees visiting the temple on Mahashivaratri. The temple will be open for the public for homage and pooja on shivaratri.
This year´s Mahashivatri which is observed with much fanfare by the Hindus as the birthday of Lord Shiva falls on February 27, Thursday.