Kathmandu: The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has issued guidelines for devotees participating in the upcoming Bala Chaturdashi festival, encouraging a systematic observance of the event. The festival, falling on the 13th day of the waning moon in the month of Mangsir, is scheduled to begin on the night of December 10.

Raj Kumar Khatri, member secretary of PADT, outlined a 13-point set of guidelines for devotees. The trust urges participants to sow Satbeej (seven kinds of grains) only in recommended areas. The PADT has prohibited the sowing of Satbeej in areas with stone blocks and advised devotees to avoid causing damage to places where tree transplantations have been carried out. Additionally, those visiting the temple with children are asked to ensure they carry identification cards.

The PADT has restricted the lighting of lamps along the Kailash Chaur (ground area) during the festival but permits the sowing of Satbeej. To facilitate the convenience of devotees spending the night at the temple, the trust has arranged tents free of cost. For those unable to visit the temple to light lamps in memory of departed souls, a payment of Rs 2,100 to PADT will allow the trust to make the necessary arrangements.

In light of the Bala Chaturdashi festival, the PADT has imposed a ban on 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 will result in punishment as per existing laws.

To ensure the success of the festival, the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and PADT workforces have been mobilized.