In observance of the Hindu festival Bala Chaturdashi, also known as Shatvijaropan, the sale and consumption of meat, alcohol, and other intoxicants have been temporarily restricted around the Pashupatinath Temple area for a period of one week. The restrictions will be in effect from December 7th to December 13th, 2023.
Pashupatinath Temple, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, is a renowned Hindu pilgrimage site and a major tourist destination. During Bala Chaturdashi, Hindus who lost family members in the past year offer a special tribute at the Shleshmantak Forest near the temple. This involves sprinkling a mix of seven grains and fruits in memory of the deceased.
To maintain the sanctity of the festival, the District Administration Office in Kathmandu has issued a notice outlining the temporary restrictions. These include:
- Prohibition of sale and consumption of meat, alcohol, and intoxicants within the designated area:
- East: Gaushala Mitrapark Road
- West: Pashupati area
- North: Gaushala Tilganga Ring Road
- South: Mitrapark-Umakund-Gaurighat to Guhrieshwari
- Ban on production, transportation, storage, and consumption of these substances within the designated area
These measures are aimed at ensuring a peaceful and solemn observance of Bala Chaturdashi while preserving the religious and cultural significance of the festival.