Maha Shivaratri( February- March)- Literally means the great night of Lord Shiva; this festival is celebrated each year in the awe of Lord Shiva. Principally this festival is celebrated by offering the leaves of bael to Lord Shiva; fasting all day and night vigil. A grand religious fest takes place in the Pashupatinath temple and thousands of worshippers from both India and Nepal flock in the temple area to worship Lord Shiva. According to spiritual belief penances are performed to gain boon and Yoga is practiced. On the first day of the celebration thousands of devotees including the Shadu and Naked ascetics flood in the temple area. In the afternoon an official programme is organized by the Nepalese Army to celebrate the festival at Tundikhel.