Click image to zoom

Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple Brims With Shaivite Ascetics And Decoration Ahead Of Maha Shivaratri

Nepali workers paint the structures around Pashupatinath temple ahead of the Maha Shivaratri festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2026. The Maha Shivaratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, the protector, falls on Sunday, February 15, this year. An estimated 2 million pilgrims are expected to visit the temple this year. ''Maha Shivaratri,'' known as the night of Lord Shiva, is observed with great fervor in Nepal, as well as in India and other Hindu populous countries. Generally, the day of Maha Shivaratri falls on the 13th night or 14th day of the luni-solar month according to the Lunar Calendar. Every temple of Lord Shiva is flocked with pilgrims on the day of Shivaratri. One of the major festivals of Nepal, Maha Shivaratri literally means ''Night of the Shiva.'' It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that on this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are in the most optimum positions to help raise a person's spiritual energy. It is also believed that the Shiva principle is most active on this day of the year. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated marking the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Maha Shivaratri also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva performs the ''Tandav,'' the cosmic dance. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo Details

Photo ID	#13310251
Date Taken	12 February 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto

Related Keywords

Large Group of People Nepali workers paint structures Pashupatinath temple Maha Shivaratri festival Kathmandu February 12 2026 Lord Shiva protector Sunday February 15 pilgrims temple night of Lord Shiva fervor Nepal India Hindu countries 13th night 14th day luni-solar month Lunar Calendar Shivaratri major festivals Night of the Shiva dark fortnight Māgha month Hindu lunar calendar stars Northern Hemisphere spiritual energy Shiva principle convergence Shiva and Shakti Tandav cosmic dance Subaas Shrestha NurPhoto.

License This Photo

Digital Basic Editorial use on digital platforms only (websites, social media). Single use, up to 1 million monthly UVs. Worldwide distribution. NO COMMERCIAL OR PROMOTIONAL USE

€35.00

Editorial Print & Digital For editorial use in print and digital publications such as newspapers, magazines, and textbooks. Single use, up to 10,000 copies or 1 million UVs. Worldwide distribution. NO COMMERCIAL OR PROMOTIONAL USE

€99.00

Broadcast (TV & Digital) For editorial use in TV production or streaming platforms. Single use, all media rights excluding theatrical, with worldwide distribution in perpetuity. NO COMMERCIAL OR PROMOTIONAL USE

€399.00

Total Price

€35.00

Secure checkout

Need a custom license?

Contact Sales