Kathmandu, Nepal

A sadhu (holy man) looks on while he offers worship to Lord Shiva during the Hindu festival Maha Shivaratri at Pashupati Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, 02 March 2011. More than 200,000 Hindu devotees including Sadhus from across the country and neighbouring India gathered to celebrate the birthday of Lord Shiva, the god of creation and destruction. Hindus mark the Maha Shivratri festival by offering special prayers and fasting.

(EPA/NARENDRA SHRESTHA)