Photo Feature | Faith and devotion mark first Monday of Shrawan

KATHMANDU: Thousands of devotees thronged Shiva temples across Nepal on Monday to observe the first Monday of Shrawan, one of the holiest periods dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Hindu calendar.

From the early hours of the morning, long queues formed at the Shiva temple at Makhan, Pashupatinath temple  and other Shiva shrines as worshippers offered prayers, flowers, bel leaves, milk and holy water while observing the traditional Shrawan Monday fast. Mondays during the month of Shrawan are considered especially auspicious for Shiva worship, drawing devotees seeking blessings for health, peace and prosperity.

Major Shiva temples, including Gokarneshwor and Doleshwor Mahadev , also witnessed heavy crowds, with devotees participating in rituals and religious recitations throughout the day.

Many Hindus observe a fast on every Monday of Shrawan, breaking it only in the evening after performing special prayers. The month-long observance concludes on the final Monday with charitable offerings and traditional rituals.

The annual Shrawan observance remains one of Nepal’s most significant expressions of faith, bringing together people of all ages in a shared display of devotion and religious tradition.

Photo : Sunil Sharma