Shivaratri in Nepal 2025: What to Do & How to Celebrate 🕉️
Maha Shivaratri, the “Great Night of Shiva,” is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of the Hindu pantheon. It falls on the 13th night and 14th day of the dark lunar fortnight in the month of Phalguna (February–March). In 2025, this significant festival will be observed with grand rituals, chanting, prayers, fasting, and spiritual gatherings. It’s an opportunity to experience Nepal’s profound spiritual culture, rich traditions, and vibrant energy, making it a must-see event for travelers seeking a unique cultural experience.
Things to Do on Shivaratri in Nepal
1. Visit Pashupatinath Temple – The Heart of Shivaratri
The Pashupatinath Temple, located in Kathmandu, is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. On Shivaratri, it becomes the focal point of the celebrations, attracting thousands of devotees, sadhus, and spiritual seekers. Here’s what you can expect:
- Witness Rituals & Ceremonies: During the festival, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and devotees engage in elaborate rituals, including pujas, aarti, and bhajans (devotional songs).
- Naga Sadhus: Experience the Naga Sadhus, holy men who meditate in the open and cover themselves with ashes as part of their spiritual journey. Many of them perform unique spiritual acts that are integral to the Shivaratri celebrations.
- Holy Fire & Water Ceremonies: You will also see the sacred fire rituals (Agni Puja) and water offerings to Lord Shiva. The lighting of bonfires symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
- The Evening Aarti: The evening aarti at Pashupatinath Temple is a mesmerizing experience where devotees gather around the sacred Bagmati River to offer prayers, light candles, and chant Shiva’s praises.
📍 Location: Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu
⏳ Best Time: Evening & Night (Shivaratri is an all-night festival)
2. Take Part in Shivaratri Bonfires & Bhajans
In Nepal, bonfires are lit throughout the country during Shivaratri as a symbol of the destruction of evil and the protection of good. As part of the celebrations, locals and pilgrims gather around these fires to engage in spiritual singing, bhajans, and mantra chanting. It’s a truly joyous experience to join in the chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya” at local temples.
- Participate in Local Processions: In addition to the rituals, there are also spiritual processions that wind through the streets, with drumming, dancing, and chanting, offering a truly authentic cultural experience.
- Spiritual Discourses: Attend spiritual discourses in the evenings, where sages and learned priests impart wisdom and teachings about Lord Shiva’s significance.
- Major Temples to Visit: Other prominent temples such as Doleshwor Mahadev (near Bhaktapur), Halesi Mahadev (in the east), and Muktinath (in Mustang) also host grand celebrations with bonfires, rituals, and devotional music.
📍 Where? Major Shiva temples in Nepal (Pashupatinath, Doleshwor Mahadev, Halesi Mahadev, Muktinath)
3. Try Traditional Shivaratri Foods
Fasting is common during Shivaratri, but there are certain special foods and drinks that are consumed on this night. Even if you are not fasting, it’s important to experience the unique food offerings of the festival. Some notable foods include:
- Sabudana Khichdi: A savory tapioca pearl dish often made with peanuts, potatoes, and spices, traditionally enjoyed during fasting.
- Bhang Lassi: A special cannabis drink made with bhang (cannabis leaves), traditionally consumed by some devotees to deepen their meditative state. You can find Bhang Lassi stalls around Pashupatinath and other Shiva temples during Shivaratri.
- Kheer: A sweet rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and nuts, often served with fruits like bananas, pomegranates, and apples.
- Fruits & Nuts: Many devotees enjoy fruits and nuts as part of the Shivaratri fast, including apples, oranges, and bananas, along with almonds and cashews.
📍 Where? Pashupatinath, surrounding markets, and local temples
4. Meditate & Experience Spiritual Vibes
Shivaratri is known as the night of Lord Shiva, a time for deep reflection, meditation, and prayer. It is believed that on this night, devotees can attain spiritual enlightenment and moksha (liberation). Here’s how to make the most of this spiritually charged night:
- Join Yoga & Meditation Retreats: Many centers offer special Shivaratri yoga retreats that focus on Shiva consciousness, offering a peaceful and calm atmosphere for meditation.
- Visit Shiva Temples for Meditation: Temples such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Chandragiri are peaceful spots to engage in silent meditation and prayer.
- Prayers & Mantra Chanting: Join in the prayers and mantra chanting at local temples to invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings and deepen your spiritual experience.
📍 Where? Yoga centers, Shiva temples, and meditation retreats across Nepal
Experience Shivaratri in Nepal with Mountain Hike Nepal!
Let Mountain Hike Nepal guide you through an authentic Shivaratri experience in Nepal. Our guided tours allow you to:
✅ Experience the grand celebrations at Pashupatinath Temple and other sacred sites.
✅ Engage with sadhus and learn about spiritual practices.
✅ Participate in rituals, chanting, and bonfires with locals.
✅ Savor traditional Shivaratri foods and special drinks like Bhang Lassi.
✅ Meditate and reflect at peaceful temples or join special yoga retreats.
Would you like to be a part of this sacred celebration? Contact us to book your guided Shivaratri tour in Nepal!
