Kathmandu: The Bala Chaturdashi festival, dedicated to commemorating departed souls, is being observed across the country today. Devotees have gathered at Shiva temples, including the revered Pashupatinath Temple, since last night to participate in the festival's rituals.

During the night, devotees light lamps in memory of their departed family members and spend the night in vigil. In the early hours of the following day, devotees sow Satbeej (seven kinds of grains) along the premises of the shrines. The festival officially begins on the 13th day of the waning moon in the month of Mangsir and concludes today with the spreading of Satbeej around the shrines dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

A significant number of devotees have flocked to the Pashupatinath Temple to partake in the Bala Chaturdashi festival, while those unable to visit have observed the rituals at Shiva temples near their residences and localities.

In light of the festival, the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has imposed restrictions 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 is subject to punishment under existing laws.

To ensure the success of the festival, the PADT has mobilized the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and its own workforce, as stated by the PADT. The collaborative efforts aim to facilitate a peaceful and respectful observance of the Bala Chaturdashi festival.