The Mahashivaratri festival is observed on Fagun Krishna Chaturdashi, or Saturday, by worshiping Aradhyadev Shiva.
Thousands of devotees have reached Pashupatinath in Kathmandu the night before worshiping Shiva.
Pashupati area has been lit up by the tunes created by Babajis who came from several places in Nepal and India.
Since today, Babajis in various guises and attire have drawn a lot of attention from followers.
For the visit on Saturday, Pashupatinath is elaborately adorned.
The Pashupati and Bankali areas are crowded with Babajis.
Devotees are drawn in by Babaji's numerous dance performances and Bhagabhangi.
Many Babajis from India also visit Pashupatinath.
Vedic Sanatan Hindu devotees take a holy dip in a river or pond on Saturday morning before visiting Shivalaya.
Named after the night when Lord Shiva was born, this festival is described in scriptures including Shiva Purana as one of the four major nights namely Kalaratri, Mohratri, Sukhratri and Shivratri.
Celebrated on the day of Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi (as per the eastern lunar calendar), this festival is considered as the most beloved day of Ashutosh Lord Shiva, who brings religion to the hearts of all the poor and distressed beings.
On the day of Mahashivaratri, the best of the fasts, devotees purify themselves and worship in the Shiva temple and fast and offer milk, dhaturo and belapatra, which are dear to Shiva.
It is a religious belief that if one keeps fasting on this festival and stays awake all night, one will gain all the blessings and not go to Yamalok.
On this day, people light firewood in every house, and chowk and make offerings in the same fire along with singing hymns.
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