Pashupatinath ready for Maha Shivaratri; special traffic plan in place

KATHMANDU: The sacred Pashupatinath Temple precinct has been beautifully adorned like a bride as Kathmandu prepares to welcome the grand festival of Maha Shivaratri, which falls on Sunday.

The entire temple complex has undergone fresh painting, thorough cleaning, and extensive decorative lighting, with all preparations now complete, according to the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT).

In view of the festival, a large number of sadhus, saints, and Naga Babas have already arrived from various parts of Nepal as well as from neighboring India.

Anticipating a massive influx of devotees, security arrangements have been significantly tightened.

To ensure smooth movement for pilgrims and visitors, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has announced a special traffic management plan.

Special Traffic Management Plan in Place

According to the Traffic Police, vehicular movement in the Chabahil, Gaushala, and Tilganga areas will remain uninterrupted as long as the crowd remains manageable. However, if the Gaushala area becomes heavily congested and vehicular flow is obstructed, alternative routes will be enforced.

In particular, cargo and goods-carrying vehicles coming from Tinkune towards Sinamangal, from Boudha towards Gaurighat, and from Old Baneshwor and Mitrapark towards Gaushala will be restricted as required.

Likewise, depending on the crowd situation, vehicles entering Gaushala from Chabahil, Old Baneshwor, Gyaneshwor, and Maitidevi will be diverted to alternative routes.

Six Designated Parking Areas Announced

To facilitate devotees and tourists, the Traffic Police have designated six parking zones:

1. Sifal Ground – For devotees, pass-holding vehicles, and security personnel.

2. Across Guhyeshwari – For pilgrims and devotees’ vehicles.

3. Tilganga Eye Hospital area and corridor – For devotees, tourists, and pilgrims.

4. Pashupati Area Development Trust Office (Bhandarkhal) – For pass-holding vehicles.

5. Bankali Area – For organizations running camps, fire engines, ambulances, and drinking water supply vehicles.

6. Gaushala Police Circle premises – For government and pass-holding vehicles.

Vehicles coming from the Bagmati Corridor and Jorpati via Chabahil will be directed to park across Guhyeshwari.

Public Advisory

The Traffic Police have urged the general public to use alternative routes while traveling through the Pashupatinath area on Maha Shivaratri and to strictly follow all traffic rules to ensure smooth movement and public safety.