Himachal CM Jai Ram Thakur to inaugurate Shivratri fest today

Tribune News Service

Mandi, March 11

The week-long Shivratri celebrations is a glimpse of the deity culture in Himachal Pradesh, which will begin on March 12 in the district. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur will inaugurate the event.

Deities from across the district have started arriving in Mandi to take part in the festivity. Around 120 deities arrived in Mandi town till this evening along with their followers. Many deities are on their way to Mandi, and will arrive here by tomorrow. It is expected that over 200 deities will come to take part in the week-long festival.

The deities were welcomed by the district administration of Mandi. All deities first visited the temple of Madho Rai deity in the town to pay him obeisance. A procession of the deities will be the major attraction for visitors here.

Mandi Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri said adequate force has been deployed to maintain law and order during the fair. She appealed to the public to wear face masks properly during the fair.

Historian KK Nutan said, “The specific observance of this festival as a fair, starting with Shivratri, is linked to ruler Ishwari Sen. Ishawri Sen was held a prisoner for 12 years after he lost his kingdom in the war waged by Sansar Chand of Punjab, in 1792. He was released by the Gurkha invaders who had invaded the Kangra and Mandi states. Afterwards, the Gurkhas’ restored the Mandi state to Ishwari Sen.”

“Ishwari Sen was given a reception on the occasion of his return to Mandi, his state capital. On this occasion, the king invited all hill deities of the kingdom and held a grand celebration, and this day happened to be Shivratri. Since then, this festival is being celebrated every year in Mandi town with great fervour,” he said.