Editorial photo #13001824 Human Interest

Hindu Devotees In Nepal Remain Awake Throughout The Night Lighting Lamps For Salvation Of Departed Souls On Bala Chaturdashi

Nepali Hindu devotees flock to the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 18, 2025, on the eve of the Bala Chaturdashi festival, a festival observed for the salvation of departed souls. The devotees camp to stay awake throughout the night, taking care of the lamps on the eve of Bala Chaturdashi, performing this ritual for the salvation of the souls of deceased ones. The festival of Bala Chaturdashi starts from Marga Krishna Trayodashi, the 13th day of the waning moon in the month of Mangsir (8th month according to the Nepali calendar). Devotees who observe this ritual maintain strict fasting, with only one meal that day, and abstain from garlic, onions, fish, eggs, and other food items that are said to be impure. In the evening, they reach the Pashupatinath temple or shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and chant hymns and prayers to Lord Shiva all night long. They light ''Akhanda Jyoti'' in the name of the deceased souls of their families. The next morning, Marga Krishna Chaturdashi, they take a holy bath and start their journey around the Pashupatinath temple premises, spreading seven kinds of grains along the way. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)