The streets of Deopatan, east of the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu, are usually crowded with pilgrims who are travelling to the most important Hindu sanctuary in the country. The old temple district of Pashupatinath, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, even attracts pilgrims from India.

Shivaratri, one special night in the year that is dedicated to Shiva, is the most important celebration within the temple district. In springtime thousands of Hindu pilgrims travel to Nepal.

The Bagmati River and this entire area along with its sacred buildings are still one of the most important Shiva sanctuaries on the Indian Subcontinent.