March 8: The Kathmandu Valley Police Office has mobilized over 4,000 security personnel at the Pashupatinath temple area for the Mahashivaratri festival, which is being observed today. An integrated special security plan has been put in place for the festival, the state-owned RSS reported.    
Senior Superintendent of Police Dinesh Raj Mainali informed RSS that drones were mobilized for the security in addition to security personnel.

The security arrangement is of three layers. They are at work from Thursday night to Saturday. Superintendent of Police at District Police Range Kathmandu, Nabaraj Adhikari, is leading the security mobilization. Emergency and rescue teams along with ambulance are standby in case of need.   

A large number of devotees visit the Pashupatinath temple on the occasion of Mahasvivaratri every year. Especially, pilgrims and aesthetics from neighbouring India visit the temple. The Pashupati Area Development Trust takes special care of the visitors during this festival, ensuring food and accommodation as well as parting gifts to the holy men.

The Nepalese Army observes the Army Day on the  occasion of Mahashivaratri festival.