<p>Over 500,000 people, including Naga sadhus, worshipped Shiva at the fifth century Hindu shrine with many queueing up outside the temple since 2 am. Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav was amnong those who visited the temple early in the morning.<br /><br />Located on the banks of the Bagmati river, Pashupatinath is the oldest Hindu shrine in Nepal and also listed in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site list. Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT), which manages the the fifth century Hindu shrine, said over 4,000 security personnel have been put into action while 5,000 volunteers were mobilised to ensure the day passes off smoothly.<br /><br />In Kathmandu, people observed the festival by organising camp fire at different cross roads and preparing variety of delicacies. "The festival which is celebrated with the massive participation of entire Hindus is a special day for the devotees and pilgrims coming from various parts of the country and abroad for worshipping the Lord Shiva," Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal said in his message on the occasion.<br /><br />He expressed hope that the festival will also significantly enhance religious tourism and international brotherhood by preserving religious and cultural values. Meanwhile, Nepal Army today celebrated Army Day with a variety of programme at Tundikhel Open Ground. President Yadav and Prime Minister Khanal also observed a parade by Nepal Army on the occasion.</p>
<p>Over 500,000 people, including Naga sadhus, worshipped Shiva at the fifth century Hindu shrine with many queueing up outside the temple since 2 am. Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav was amnong those who visited the temple early in the morning.<br /><br />Located on the banks of the Bagmati river, Pashupatinath is the oldest Hindu shrine in Nepal and also listed in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site list. Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT), which manages the the fifth century Hindu shrine, said over 4,000 security personnel have been put into action while 5,000 volunteers were mobilised to ensure the day passes off smoothly.<br /><br />In Kathmandu, people observed the festival by organising camp fire at different cross roads and preparing variety of delicacies. "The festival which is celebrated with the massive participation of entire Hindus is a special day for the devotees and pilgrims coming from various parts of the country and abroad for worshipping the Lord Shiva," Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal said in his message on the occasion.<br /><br />He expressed hope that the festival will also significantly enhance religious tourism and international brotherhood by preserving religious and cultural values. Meanwhile, Nepal Army today celebrated Army Day with a variety of programme at Tundikhel Open Ground. President Yadav and Prime Minister Khanal also observed a parade by Nepal Army on the occasion.</p>