Kathmandu, July 17 -- Thousands of Hindu devotees on Thursday flocked to the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, observing "Shrawan Sakranti," or the first day of the religious month of Shrawan dedicated to Lord Shiva.

A serpentine line stretched to all corners of the temple, where devotees holding baskets of offerings waited for their turn to enter the temple for worship.

The fourth month -- Shrawan -- as per the Nepali calendar, is considered sacred by Hindu devotees and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, when women fast and adorn green, yellow, and red bangles and beads.

"At home, Mother and Grandmother have taught us to worship Lord Shiva, pray for the well-being, wealth, and wellness of the family members, refrain from having non-vegetari...