"A Nepali Hindu devotee floats live oil-fed lamps in the sacr..."

#13004142

19 November 2025

A Nepali Hindu devotee floats live oil-fed lamps in the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 19, 2025, during Bala Chaturdashi, a festival to give salvation to departed souls. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga.

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#13004143

19 November 2025

A Nepali Hindu devotee floats live oil-fed lamps in the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 19, 2025, during Bala Chaturdashi, a festival to give salvation to departed souls. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga.

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#13004144

19 November 2025

A Nepali Hindu devotee floats live oil-fed lamps in the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 19, 2025, during Bala Chaturdashi, a festival to give salvation to departed souls. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga.

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#13004145

19 November 2025

A Nepali Hindu devotee floats live oil-fed lamps in the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 19, 2025, during Bala Chaturdashi, a festival to give salvation to departed souls. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga.

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#13004148

19 November 2025

A Nepali Hindu devotee floats live oil-fed lamps in the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 19, 2025, during Bala Chaturdashi, a festival to give salvation to departed souls. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga.

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#13004150

19 November 2025

A Nepali Hindu devotee floats live oil-fed lamps in the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 19, 2025, during Bala Chaturdashi, a festival to give salvation to departed souls. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga.

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#13004151

19 November 2025

A Nepali Hindu devotee floats live oil-fed lamps in the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 19, 2025, during Bala Chaturdashi, a festival to give salvation to departed souls. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga.

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#13004135

19 November 2025

A Nepali Hindu devotee spreads the ingredients of seven grains, locally called ''Satbeej,'' on the day of Bala Chaturdashi, a Hindu festival to give salvation to departed souls, in the premises of Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 19, 2025. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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.

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#13004155

19 November 2025

A Nepali Hindu devotee spreads the ingredients of seven grains, locally called ''Satbeej,'' on the day of Bala Chaturdashi, a Hindu festival to give salvation to departed souls, in the premises of Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 19, 2025. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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.

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#13004156

19 November 2025

A Nepali Hindu devotee spreads the ingredients of seven grains, locally called ''Satbeej,'' on the day of Bala Chaturdashi, a Hindu festival to give salvation to departed souls, in the premises of Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 19, 2025. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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.

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#11822309

30 November 2024

A Nepali Hindu devotee lights oil-fed lamps on the embankment of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 30, 2024, on the occasion of Bala Chaturdashi. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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.

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#11822317

30 November 2024

A Nepali Hindu devotee offers ''Sat-bij,'' seven sacred seeds, to a Shivalinga (Idol of Lord Shiva) in the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 30, 2024, on the occasion of Bala Chaturdashi. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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.

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#13004136

19 November 2025

Nepali Hindu devotees float live oil-fed lamps in the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 19, 2025, during Bala Chaturdashi, a festival to give salvation to departed souls. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga.

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#13004139

19 November 2025

Nepali Hindu devotees float live oil-fed lamps in the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 19, 2025, during Bala Chaturdashi, a festival to give salvation to departed souls. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga.

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#13004140

19 November 2025

Nepali Hindu devotees float live oil-fed lamps in the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 19, 2025, during Bala Chaturdashi, a festival to give salvation to departed souls. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga.

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#13004141

19 November 2025

Nepali Hindu devotees float live oil-fed lamps in the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 19, 2025, during Bala Chaturdashi, a festival to give salvation to departed souls. In remembrance of beloved ones, Nepali Hindu devotees offer oil-fed lamps into the Bagmati River flowing through the premises of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on the day of Bala Chaturdashi. The live lamps float on the river, which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls in their afterlife. Devotees remain awake throughout the night, camping on the edge of the Bagmati River facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi start 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. The seven grains (also called Satbeej) include dhaan (rice), jau (barley), til (sesame), gahun (wheat), chana (chickpeas), makai (maize), and kaguno (foxtail millet). Devotees walk along Kailash-Suryaghat-Gaurighat-Aryaghat-Guhyeshwari-Mrigasthali-Bishworup-Kirateshwar-108 Shivalinga.

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