People in Nepal celebrate Bala Chaturdashi festival

Nov 22, 2022

Kathmandu (Nepal), Nov 22 (ANI): People in Nepal offered lamps into the Bagmati River in Kathmandu to celebrate Bala Chaturdashi festival. Bala Chaturdashi is celebrated in Nepal in memory of departed family members. People float oil lamps on the river which is believed to lighten the world of departed souls. Devotees remain awake through the night camping on the edge of the Bagmati River while facing the Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals for Bala Chaturdashi festival start from Marga Krishna Trayodashi, the 13th day of the waning moon in the month of Mangsir (8th month according to the Nepali calendar). People who observe this ritual keep a fast and eat only one meal. People avoid eating garlic, onions, fish, eggs and other food items on that day. In the evening, people visit the Pashupatinath Temple or shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and chant hymns and prayers through the night.