KATHMANDU: A remarkable crowd of fasting devotees and worshippers gathered at the Doleshwar Mahadev Temple in Sipadol, Bhaktapur district, today to offer prayers and worship on the second Monday of the holy month of Shrawan.

Since early morning, devotees participated in worship by offering water, milk, bael leaves (wood apple leaves), and other ritual items, as Shrawan is considered the favorite month of Lord Shiva and Mondays are his special day. According to Hindu tradition, devotees observe a fast on this day to worship Ashutosh Lord Shiva.

In Nepal, the tradition of observing Shrawan fasts follows the solar calendar (Souramasa). Located in Sipadol, Bhaktapur, the Doleshwar Mahadev Temple is renowned as a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site. According to religious belief, this temple is considered the head part of the famous Kedarnath Temple in India, drawing thousands of worshippers from across the country during the month of Shrawan.