KATHMANDU, March 6: Sadhus have begun gathering at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu to celebrate one of the most significant Hindu festivals, Maha Shivaratri.
A large congregation of Sadhus is reported at the temple for the festival, along with the ongoing movement of Naga Babas from various parts of India. The Naga babas are ascetics who traditionally do not wear clothes.
Hundreds of Sadhus throng Pashupati temple for Maha Shivaratri
Visitors to the temple can witness Sadhus with their faces adorned with ashes from firewood, some even indulging in cigarettes mixed with marijuana. Additionally, people are seen dancing and singing in honor of Lord Shiva on this auspicious occasion.
Here are some photos of the Sadhus taken by Republica Photojournalist Dipesh Darshanadhikari.