Shivaratri

Today in Nepal smoking marijuana at the Pashupatinath Temple was open and legal. It's one of the traditions associated with the sadhus, the nomadic Hindu mystics who live on alms, and open season on this Hindu holiday celebrating the birth of Lord Shiva, one of the most revered of the Hindu pantheon here in Nepal. For more, have a look here or here.

Below are a few photos from today's visit to Pashupatinath, a huge sensory overload induced by the crush of thousands of people; incense, fires, and marijuana burning everywhere; cremations on the river; and always beggars underfoot.

These fellows were rolling themselves across the temple grounds, rolling for Shiva.


Lots of these guys around smoking ganja. Many come from India for the holiday.


This was a real cremation taking place on the Bagmati River. The children of the deceased have their heads shaved in a mourning ritual.


The temple and the Bagmati river.


And in case you were wondering, I didn't smoke a thing today. ;-)

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