February 18: Nepalis are celebrating the Maha Shivaratri festival across the country today with much fanfare.

On this day, devotees worship Lord Shiva one of the three gods of trinity.   Lord Shiva, in Vedic tradition, is considered to be destroyer of the world. Yet, Shiva is also considered the embodiment of Shaumya and Raudra forms which represent both creative and destructive forces.      

It is believed that Lord Shiva took the current from on the night of Shivaratri, which falls on the fourth day of the waning moon in the 11th month of the Nepali calendar each year.

According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, Lord Brahma – the creator of the world – took the form of Shiva (the destroyer) in the midnight of Krishna Chaturdashi of Fagun (fourth day of the waning moon). So this day is observed with prayers, pooja, and visit to Lord Shiva's shrines. Hindus believe that the observation of the Mahashivaratri brings peace and prosperity to one's life.      

A large number of devotees visit the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu today to worship Lord Shiva. Devotees come to this famed temple from as far as India.

People also make bonfire at home, on public squares and at temples, and chant hymns on the occasion.    

Meanwhile, the Nepalese Army will be celebrating the Army Day by organizing various programs across the country today.     On the occasion of the Army Day, various cultural programs including parade, artillery display and drill will be conducted at the army pavilion in Tundikhek.

Four retired army chiefs of the Indian Army have already arrived in Kathmandu at the invitation of the Nepalese Army this year to observe the parade at Tundikhel.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari will attend a special function at Tundikhel on the occasion of the Army Day. President Bhandari is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Army.    

President Bhandari has extended her best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri festival today. In a message of best wishes, President Bhandari wished that the Maha Shivaratri may lead our society to the path of progress and may it spread the light of spiritual awakening in the lives of all Nepalis.