Balachaturdashi observed praying for the salvation of deceased family members

People in Nepal those who follow Hinduism, sow Satbij (or seven type of sacred grains) in the Jungle of Pashuapti area wishing salvation of the departed members of the family. They also offer lamps into the Bagmati River flowing by the Pashupatinath Temple on Balachardashi.

Rituals for Balachaturdashi festival starts from Margakrishna Thrayodashi, 13th day of the waxing moon in the month of Mangshir (around end of November)

Devotees remain awake through the night camping on the edge of the Bagmati River while facing the Pashupatinath Temple.

People who observe this ritual keep a fast and eat only one meal. They take vegetable based foods only.

I the evening, people visit the Pashupatinath Temple or shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and chant hymns and prayers through the night.

People like ‘Akhanda Jyoti; in the name of the departed family members. The next day, they take bath and begin their journey around the Pashupatinath Tepmle premises and spread seven kinds of grains along the the way. To sow the Shatbij, one day before Charturdashi, that is, on the day of Triodashi, it is customary to stay awake at night, light the lamp, and chant hymns without blinking one’s eyes. It is believed that the seeds scattered in the world will be germinated in another world of the deceased ancestors and they will never go hungry due to these reasons.

The grains include rice, barley, sesame, wheat, chickpeas, maize and foxtail millet. The devotees walk along Kirateshwar, Gaurighat, Guheshwari, coast of Aryaghat, Shleshamantak forest.

The most interesting context today is related to the idol of Ganesha next to the Pashupati Vishwarupa temple. The idol of Ganesha is considered as a symbol of the deaf ear and therefore the devotees try to make the idol hear by shouting, yelling, and shaking loudly.

The ritual is organised in many other places where there are temples of Lord Mahadev (Shiva). Various Shakti Peeths and Triveni Dhams in Nepal including including Chatara, Barahkshetra of Eastern Nepal, Setiveni Dham of Parbat district, Chakreshwar temple of Gulmi Santipur, Devghat Dham of Nawalparasi, Kshireshwar of Dhanusha and Shivalayas and Triveni Dhams. Likewise, similar events organized in some important pilgrimages in India as well.