The Grand Celebration of Shivaratri in Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal, was abuzz with spiritual fervor as tens of thousands of Hindu devotees gathered at the revered Pashupatinath Temple to celebrate one of Nepal’s most significant religious festivals, Shivaratri. This annual event, held on February 26, 2025, is a time of great spiritual significance for Hindus worldwide, and Nepal, where approximately 81% of the population practices Hinduism, was at the heart of these celebrations. The festival also drew devotees from neighboring India, underscoring its importance beyond Nepal’s borders.
A Sacred Tradition: Marijuana Use During Shivaratri
One of the unique aspects of Shivaratri is the sanctioned use of marijuana, which is typically illegal in Nepal. During this festival, however, the consumption of cannabis is permitted, reflecting its deep-rooted cultural and religious significance. Holy men, known as sadhus, and other devotees could be seen smoking marijuana in the Bankali forests near the temple, a practice that is not only a tradition but also a symbolic act of devotion. This rare exception highlights the festival’s cultural and religious importance, allowing participants to connect with their faith in a unique way.
Devotion and Celebration at the Pashupatinath Temple
The Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred sites for Hindus globally, was the epicenter of the celebrations. Devotees engaged in fervent prayers, danced to traditional religious songs, and partook in the sacred rituals of the festival. The atmosphere was filled with spirituality as people from all walks of life came together to honor Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer in Hindu mythology. The temple grounds and surrounding forests were filled with marijuana smoke, a testament to the unique traditions that make Shivaratri so distinct.
Calls for Legalization and Its Potential Benefits
Amidst the celebrations, discussions about the legalization of marijuana gained traction. Devotees and attendees expressed their hopes for the legalization of cannabis, citing its potential benefits for both individuals and the nation. Abhishek Pathak, a participant in the festival, emphasized the need for legalization with proper regulation, highlighting the multiple uses of marijuana, including its medicinal properties. Akash Rimal, another attendee, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that legalization could open doors to medical applications and economic opportunities, drawing parallels to Nepal’s historical association with marijuana during the 1960s hippie movement.
Historical Context and Current Realities
Nepal’s relationship with marijuana is deeply-rooted in its history. Once a haven for hippies in the 1960s, where marijuana and other narcotics were legally sold in shops and tea houses, Nepal outlawed cannabis in 1976. Today, despite its illegal status, the Shivaratri festival acts as a temporary reprieve, allowing devotees to use marijuana without repercussions. The presence of hundreds of police officers patrolling the area during the festival, who chose not to intervene with the smokers, reflects an unspoken tolerance of this tradition, even as the legal status of cannabis remains unchanged.
Looking to the Future
As the festival came to a close, many attendees expressed hope that the government would consider legalizing marijuana, not just for religious use but also for its potential to contribute to the economy and healthcare. While a petition to legalize marijuana was filed in 2020, progress has been slow. The Shivaratri festival serves as an annual reminder of the cultural and potential economic significance of cannabis in Nepal, a topic that continues to spark debates among policymakers and the general public. As Nepal looks to the future, the conversation around marijuana legalization is likely to grow, especially if the government begins to recognize the benefits it could bring to the country.
