KATHMANDU, Feb 18: The Mahashivaratri festival is being observed with much fanfare across the country on Saturday. A special program is being organized to celebrate this important Hindu festival in the Pashupatinath Temple area on this day.
Devotees from within and outside the country throng to Pashupatinath from early morning. Due to this, entry of vehicles is prohibited in and around Gaushala area, where Pashupatinath Temple is located.
Vehicular movement along Jaya Prithvi Highway resumes
According to Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, entry to Pashupati area from old Baneshwar, Ratopul, Kalopul, Mitrapark, Chabahil Gaurighat, Tilganga and Sinamangal areas has been banned.
Similarly, six spaces have been designated for vehicle parking. According to the traffic police, arrangements have been made for parking in front of Siphalchaur, Guheshwari, Pashupati Area Development Trust office, Bhandarkhal and in front of Tilganga Eye Hospital and Bankani area.
Meanwhile, the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has estimated that about two million pilgrims will visit the Pashupatinath Temple during this Mahashivaratri day. According to the trust, there will be 4,000 volunteers including Nepal Scouts on the temple premises to help the pilgrims.