President makes resolution for donation to sadhus on Maha Shivaratri

KATHMANDU: FEB. 27 – President Bidya Devi Bhandari has made a sacramental resolution regarding the materials to be distributed to the sadhus and ascetics coming to Pashupatinath for homage on the occasion of the Maha Shivaratri festival.

At the auspicious hour of 10.30 a.m. today, the Head of State made such a resolution during a ritual ceremony held at Shital Niwas.

The resolution relates to donating traditional rugs, blankets, bakhkhu (robe), kamandalu, shawls and bedsheets, fruits, and other sacred items such as sida to be distributed to sadhus on the day of bidding them farewell.

Chief of the Guthi Sansthan Pashupati Goswara office, Sushila Sharma Ghimire said articles resolved to be donated would be provided to the distinguished sadhus and saints coming to Pashupatinath for homage on the occasion of the Maha Shivaratri festival. The festival falls on March 1 this year.

On the eve of the Maha Shivaratri festival, crowds of sadhus and saints can be seen in the Pashupati area, as well as the shrines at Thapathali and Gaushala.

Meanwhile, at the Pashupati area, where the God Pashupatinath resides, all preparations for the Maha Shivaratri festival have been completed.

The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) announced this today at a press conference held here.

PADT said all works related to the security arrangements, worshipping to the Lord Pashupatinath, offering of the Chandan, nighttime arrangements at the temple, food and accommodation to the devotees, reception to the sadhus and saints, the religious programmes, cleaning and sanitation, emergency health and medical treatment and mobilization of volunteers have been completed.

PADT treasurer and coordinator of the public management sub-committee, Narayan Prasad Subedi, urged all those participating in the Maha Shivaratri festival to abide by the health safety protocols determined by the government as the risk of COVID-19 is not yet over.