Hindu devotees all over the country are celebrating the great festival of Mahashivaratri by worshiping Lord Shiva at various shrines on Tuesday. 

Devotees and Sadhus (holy men) from across Nepal and other countries like India have gathered at Pashupatinath temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines, in Kathmandu for Shivaratri since early in the morning.

Sadhus  started gathering at Pashupatinath temple area since the past few days for the festival. 

Shivaratri is observed every year on the 14th day of wanning moon in the Nepali month of Falgun. People also observe fast, meditate, perform rituals and make bonfires during in the name of Lord Shiva. 

Apart from offering milk, flowers and Belpatra, an important ingredient in Lord Shiva's worship,  Sadhus smoke marijuana using Chillum, a traditional clay pipe as a holy offering to Lord Shiva on this day. 

Here are the photos of Mahashivaratri festival at Pashupatinath Temple captured by Post Photographer Prakash Timilsina