Nepal Celebrates Shivaratri Festival with Open Cannabis Use
In a unique tradition, thousands of devotees gathered at the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, to celebrate the Shivaratri festival, which honors the Hindu god Shiva. Despite marijuana being banned in the country, exceptions were made to mark the occasion, as Shiva is often depicted smoking cannabis.
On the forested Bankali hills, holy men and many young men and women could be seen openly smoking marijuana, a practice that is usually punishable by up to a month in prison for users and 10 years for traffickers. The temple, a significant landmark for Hindus, who make up 81% of Nepal’s population, was filled with devotees praying and dancing to religious songs.
The Shivaratri festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from neighboring India, is one of Nepal’s biggest annual celebrations. The country’s history with marijuana dates back to the 1960s, when hippies would visit the Himalayan nation to purchase and consume the drug legally. However, marijuana was outlawed in 1976.
Efforts to decriminalize marijuana have been ongoing, with campaigners and parliament members pushing to legalize its farming and use. Despite progress, the issue remains stalled. For now, the Shivaratri festival provides a unique opportunity for Nepalis to celebrate their cultural heritage and pay homage to Shiva, who is closely associated with cannabis.
