Balachaturdashi observed commemorating departed family members

Kathmandu, Dec 11: The Bala Chaturdashi festival is observed throughout the country today by commemorating the departed souls. Devotees gathered in the Shiva temples including the Pashupatinath Temple since last night to observe the festival.    

In the night, they light lamps in commemoration of the departed family members and spent the night observing a vigil. In the wee hours the next day, the devotees sow the Satbeej (seven kinds of grains) along the premises of the shrines this morning.    

The festival is formally begun in the night of the 13th day of the waning moon in the month of Mangsir and is concluded today by spreading the Satbeej along the premises of shrines of Hindu god Shiva.    

A large number of devotees thronged the Pashupatinath Temple to observe the Bala Chaturdashi festival, according to the source. Those unable to visit reached the temples of Shiva nearby their residences and localities and observed the festival.    

The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has, in view of the Bala Chaturdashi festival, prohibited the production, transportation, sale, purchase, storage, and consumption of alcohol and meat in the vicinity of the Pashupatinath Temple until December 13. Violation of this order is punishable as per existing laws.     

As the PADT said, the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and the PADT work forces were mobilised to make the festival successful.  (RSS)