Festival guide

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is a Religious festival or observance celebrated in Pashupatinath and Nepal-wide.

6 views Feb 15, 2026 February / March Pashupatinath and Nepal-wide Public holiday
WhatShivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is a Religious festival or observance celebrated in Pashupatinath and Nepal-wide.

WhenFeb 15, 2026

Major Shiva festival, especially at Pashupatinath; date changes annually.

WherePashupatinath and Nepal-wide

Pashupatinath is the most important place, but travellers should expect crowds and controlled access.

WhyMeaning

It is one of Nepal’s most important pilgrimage days for understanding Pashupatinath and Shiva devotion.

WhoReligious

This is connected to Nepal’s public cultural calendar.

HowTraveller context

Go early, dress respectfully, expect security checks, and use a guide if you want cultural context.

About Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is part of Nepal’s festival and cultural calendar. It is listed as a Religious festival for travellers researching when to visit, where to go and what cultural context to understand.

Where it is celebrated: Pashupatinath and Nepal-wide.

Date note: Major Shiva festival, especially at Pashupatinath; date changes annually.

Festival details should remain admin-editable because many Nepal festivals follow lunar, tithi, community or official government calendars and can shift each year.

What happens

Devotees gather for Shiva worship, especially at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu. Sadhus, pilgrims and long queues are common.

Why it matters

It is one of Nepal’s most important pilgrimage days for understanding Pashupatinath and Shiva devotion.

Where to experience it

Pashupatinath is the most important place, but travellers should expect crowds and controlled access.

Traveller tips

Go early, dress respectfully, expect security checks, and use a guide if you want cultural context.

Safety and respect

Keep distance from ritual fires and dense crowds. Follow temple rules and police instructions.

Crowds and transport

Festival dates can affect transport, crowds and business hours. Build extra time into your plan.

Traveller questions

Do festival dates change?

Many Nepal festival dates change each year because they follow lunar, tithi, community or official calendars. Always verify the current year before travel.

Can visitors participate?

Visitors can usually observe public celebrations respectfully. Private family rituals require an invitation.