Kathmandu, Nepal (AHN) – Thousands of sadhus, or holy men, who have thronged the Pashupati Nath temple in Nepal to celebrate the Maha Shivarati festival, have been barred from selling or smoking cannabis on the grounds of the 17th century site.
Ahead of the festival, Nepalese police arrested nearly 20 persons who were charged with selling marijuana to the mystics.
Smoking cannabis is a traditional part of the festival inspired by Shiva, whom tradition says smoked cannabis himself. The thinly clad ascetics, who lead a life of renunciation and meditation in the forests, smoke cannabis as a blessing of Lord Shiva.
The Pashupati Areas Development Trust has banned selling cannabis at the festival.
At least a half million Hindu devotees were expected to visit the shrine, located in the eastern section of Kathmandu, on Wednesday from across India and Nepal.
This year more than 5,000 sadhus have assembled at the temple, which is also a major tourist attraction.
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