Tens of thousands of devotees gathered at the revered Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, to celebrate the Shivaratri festival, one of the country’s largest and most significant religious celebrations. The festival, which honors the Hindu god Shiva, has a unique tradition – the use of cannabis is permitted, a practice that is normally illegal but is allowed during this special occasion.
The temple, situated in the Bankali forests, was filled with the sweet aroma of cannabis smoke as holy men and devotees puffed on joints. The forest area across the Bagmati river from the temple was a sea of people, with many young Nepalese men and some women partaking in the smoke. The atmosphere was lively, with devotees praying, dancing, and singing religious songs.
The use of cannabis is a significant part of the Shivaratri festival, and many believe it brings spiritual benefits. However, the practice is normally punishable by law, with users facing up to a month in prison and traffickers facing up to 10 years.
Some attendees, like Abhishek Pathak, believe that cannabis should be legalized, citing its potential benefits for individuals and the country as a whole. Others, like Akash Rimal, see the potential for medical use and the opportunities it could bring.
Despite the illegal status of cannabis in Nepal, hundreds of police officers patrolled the area during the festival, but did not intervene with the smokers. The festival has been a long-standing tradition, and many see it as an important part of their cultural heritage.
The Shivaratri festival is a significant event in Nepal, with many Hindus from neighboring India also traveling to Kathmandu to participate. The country’s population is predominantly Hindu, with around 81% of the population identifying as such. The festival is a celebration of the divine and the spiritual, and the use of cannabis is seen as a way to connect with the divine and seek spiritual enlightenment.
