Khotang, 17th February, 2015 : A large number of pilgrims have thronged the Halesi temple which is also known as the Pashupatinath of the east. The Shivaratri falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Magha, as per the lunar calendar.
Devotees have thronged the pilgrimage site Halesi on the occasion of Shivaratri today. Shivaratri means ‘night of the supreme god Shiva’. The Hindu devotees observe a strict fast on this day even not taking water. The devotees observe a vigil the whole night and organise a bonfire (dhuni).
A large number of devotees from home and neighboring countries India, China, Bhutan and Bangladesh have thronged the temple today.
Halesi is a common pilgrimage site for the Hindus, Buddhists and Kirantis.
Number of the pilgrims doubled this year as the road leading to Halesi was repaired and a bridge constructed over the Koshi River, said director at the Halesi Development Committee Taman Rai.
The Mahadev Cave, Dharmadwar, Papdwar, Basaha Cave, Bhairav Cave, Dungdelo Cave among others are the religious and touristic sites of the area.
Devotees throng the areas particularly in Ramnawami, Shivaratri, Balachaturdasi, Haritalika and other days, besides Shivaratri.
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