Documenta Nepalica

Published by Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities: Documents on the History of Religion and Law of Pre-modern Nepal, Heidelberg, Germany, 2024. Published by the courtesy of the National Archives, Kathmandu. The copyright of the facsimile remains with the Nepal Rashtriya Abhilekhalaya (National Archives, Government of Nepal). All use of the digital facsimiles requires prior written permission by the copyright holder. See Terms of Use.
The accompanying edition, translation/synopsis and/or commentary are available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License .

Commentary

This document illustrates the administrative and logistical efforts made by the Nepalese government to support religious and cultural events, in this case the Śivarātri festival. This significant Hindu celebration, dedicated to Lord Śiva, takes place annually at the Paśupatinātha temple in Kathmandu. The document points up the festival’s importance in Nepalese society and details the state's role in facilitating the event. Issued during the autocratic Rāṇā regime, it provides valuable insight into the governance and administrative practices of the era. Monetary values are meticulously recorded in rupees (morus), with detailed allocations for various items and services. This historical document offers a glimpse into the religious, cultural and administrative landscape of early-20th-century Nepal, showcasing the state's dedication to cultural traditions. The copy of the document is officially verified by Candrakesarī Ūpādhyā and Rājamān.

In 1973, responding to pressure from the United States and the international community, Nepal revoked the licenses of all cannabis shops, dealers and farmers. Subsequently, on 22 September 1976, the country enacted the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act, V.S. 2033, which strictly prohibited the cultivation, production, preparation, purchasing, selling, distributing, exporting, importing, trafficking in, storage and consumption of cannabis. Despite its illegal status, cannabis is accorded significant cultural and religious value in Nepal, being considered a sacred gift from Lord Śiva and an important offering during the Śivarātri festival. Historically, officials have tolerated its use during this festival. However, starting around 2018, law enforcement announced that they would arrest individuals caught smoking cannabis in public places during Śivarātri.

On the occasion of Śivarātri, numerous pilgrims, both domestic and international, converge to venerate Lord Paśupatinātha. Among the various festivals celebrated at Paśupati, Śivarātri holds the greatest significance. Tandan (Tandan 1999: 158-160), referencing two documents issued in VS 1988 and 2006, details the arrangements made for Indian pilgrims travelling to Kathmandu. Before the political changes in Nepal in 1951, Indian tourists or pilgrims were permitted entry into Nepal exclusively during the Śivarātri festival. Entry into Nepal was otherwise restricted, necessitating a passport. Visas were issued for a maximum seven-day post-Śivarātri stay. It is likely that this tradition commenced following the unification of Nepal under Pṛthvīnārāyaṇa Śāha. The construction of the Tribhuvan Highway in 1956 subsequently facilitated easier access for Indian pilgrims to Kathmandu.

Two or three days before Śivarātri, arrangements for tents, porters and provisions were made for accommodation in villages such as Birganj, Amlekhganj, Bhimfedi, and Markhu. Additionally, necessary medical supplies and assistance were provided. Porters were prohibited from charging pilgrims more than the stipulated wage, and any porter abandoning a pilgrim midway would face punishment. Merchants were also restricted from charging above the market price for goods. If pilgrims contracted a communicable disease during Śivarātri, they were isolated and sent to a hospital for treatment. Subedāras and huddā were assigned the task of ensuring the cleanliness of drinking water sources, dish-washing areas, and designated defecation sites. These tasks were supervised by commanding generals of the army, who coordinated with relevant agencies.

Specific duties were allocated to various officials: ensuring water supply, managing electricity around tents, setting up tents and maintaining cleanliness. For instance, the chief of the Pānīgośvārā was responsible for water, the chief of the Iṣṭāpa Aḍḍā for tents, and the chief of the Municipal Gośvārā for general traveller arrangements. Additionally, a grant was provided to facilitate these arrangements, including sending inspectors to ensure proper facilities were ready before the pilgrims' arrival.

During Śivarātri, ascetics and other guests visiting Paśupati mostly stayed in monasteries or akhāḍās. The hosting activities were funded by the surplus from various guṭhīs. Pilgrims received a fifty percent concession on train fares to Nepal and similar discounts on transport from Thānkoṭ to Paśupati. The Śrī 5 Guṭhī Bandobasta Aḍḍā and Śrī 3 Guṭhī Bandobasta Aḍḍā organized provisions such as food and essentials for the pilgrims, including fruits for those abstaining from grains.

Medical examinations were conducted for all pilgrims, with stringent measures for those with fever or the plague, including quarantine and burning of contaminated goods. Preventive measures against theft and robbery were also implemented, particularly in Cisāpānī Gaḍhī, where groups of four were led by subedāras for security. Customs duties were waived for personal use items brought by pilgrims. If a pilgrim fell ill en route, they were taken to a hospital, and if they opted to return home, the government facilitated their return. Generally, pilgrims were granted entry into Nepal seven days before Śivarātri, but this period could be extended to twelve days if an increase in the number of pilgrims was anticipated. The primary responsibility for Śivarātri-related arrangements rested with the Mulukī Aḍḍā.

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