On Mahashivaratri, visit one of these 12 Shiva temples in Nepal. Or, at least, read about them

Mahashivaratri, literally translated, is the greatest night of Shiva. It is one of the most important festivals for Hindus in both Nepal and India. It is believed that Shivaratri is celebrated to mark the day when Lord Shiva saved the world by drinking poison that emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan. This poison got stored in his throat thus making it blue which is the reason why Lord Shiva is also known as Neelkanth (blue throat).

Many celebrate the festival by staying awake all night beside a pyre singing Lord Shiva’s name. Others fast the entire day and visit Shiva temples nearby to honour him.