Mahashivratri 2026 Celebrated with Devotion at Katas Raj Temples

Lahore Nazrana Times Ali Imran Chattha 
 

Amid the serene hills of Chakwal, thousands of Hindu devotees gathered today at the historic Katas Raj Temples to celebrate Mahashivratri, one of Hinduism’s holiest festivals. Organized under the supervision of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) — part of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony — the grand observance unfolded with deep reverence and vibrant participation from across Pakistan.Ancient Traditions at a Sacred SiteThe millennia-old temple complex, believed to have originated from the tears of Lord Shiva following the death of his consort Sati, transformed into a center of devotion as worshippers performed traditional pujas and abhishekams (ritual bathing of the Shiva lingam) using milk, honey, and water from the sacred Amrit Kund.

Echoes of “Har Har Mahadev” resounded through the valley as devotees engaged in night-long prayers, fasting, meditation, and kirtans, seeking divine blessings for peace and prosperity.This year’s celebration saw an estimated 5,000–7,000 participants, including families traveling from Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan. The ETPB provided security, medical facilities, and community meals (langar) to accommodate pilgrims. Many attendees described the festival as a moment of reconnection — both spiritual and cultural — amid modern life’s pressures.Leaders Highlight Religious HarmonySeveral government dignitaries joined the ceremony, including State Minister for Minority Affairs Kheal Das Kohistani, ETPB Chairman Qamar uz Zaman, and Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq.
Minister Kohistani emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to religious inclusion, declaring that “Pakistan harbors no hatred toward any religion” and lauding the festival as a symbol of interfaith harmony. He reaffirmed that such events exemplify the nation’s respect for all faiths and its vision of peaceful coexistence.Chairman Zaman praised the successful organization, pledging continued preservation and beautification of heritage temples. He announced plans for a research library at Katas Raj and proposed collective wedding ceremonies for the Hindu community. Future initiatives include promoting Katas Raj on the UNESCO heritage circuit to draw global pilgrims and tourists.Absence of Indian Pilgrims Marks Diplomatic StrainThe celebrations, however, were tempered by the absence of Indian yatrees (pilgrims). Despite expectations of around 500 visitors under the 1974 Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, the Indian government withheld travel permission, citing current bilateral tensions.
In past years — including 2025, when 154 Indian pilgrims were allowed — such exchanges symbolized cultural bridges between the two nations. Officials expressed disappointment, noting that the nonattendance reflected the broader diplomatic freeze affecting religious tourism, including Sikh pilgrimages.Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq lamented the missed opportunity for “shared celebration across borders,” but expressed hope that improved relations could restore these spiritual exchanges in the future.Preserving Heritage, Promoting UnityThe ETPB’s commitment to conserving sacred sites continues through ongoing restorations and tourism partnerships. The temple complex — a blend of Hindu and Buddhist architectural heritage — remains one of Pakistan’s most historically significant religious landmarks.
Krishan Sharma, President of the Pakistan Hindu Temple Management Committee, hailed the event as “a powerful reaffirmation of religious freedom and harmony in Pakistan.” He urged both governments to facilitate future pilgrimages, envisioning Katas Raj as a symbol of unity rather than division.As night deepened over the illuminated shrines, rhythmic hymns and the fragrance of incense filled the air — a timeless reminder that faith endures, even amid the world’s shifting politics