A night of delight for Bal Ashram children at Mandavya Utsav

In a moving gesture of inclusivity and compassion, children from Bal Ashram, Talyahr (Mandi) were invited as special guests to the fourth cultural evening of the ongoing Mandavya Utsav-2025, held at Chhota Paddal Ground on Saturday. The initiative, led by the Mandi Municipal Corporation, highlighted the civic body’s commitment to social inclusion and community engagement, reflecting the state government’s vision of ensuring the holistic development and integration of every child.

For many of the children, it was their first experience as honoured guests at a public celebration. To ensure their comfort and participation, the MC arranged dedicated transportation from Bal Ashram to the venue and back. The young guests were all smiles as they enjoyed lively performances by local singers and artists from across Himachal Pradesh, showcasing the state’s vibrant folk music and dance traditions.

Sanjeev Guleria, Chairman of Mandi APMC, graced the occasion as the chief guest. He lauded the MC’s thoughtful gesture and praised the organisers for promoting inclusivity through cultural celebration. Guleria also proposed that Mandavya Utsav be accorded the status of a District-Level Fair, citing its growing popularity and enthusiastic public participation.

The evening came alive with energetic performances of Luddi, Nagri and other traditional dance forms that celebrated the rich cultural heritage of “Chhoti Kashi” Mandi. In alignment with the ‘Nasha Mukt Abhiyan’ (Drug-free campaign), the event also featured yoga and painting competitions to encourage creativity, discipline and healthy living among students. Several schools suggested adding sports and recreational activities to future editions of the festival.

With its blend of art, culture and compassion, Mandavya Utsav continues to emerge as a vibrant platform for inclusivity and youth engagement. The radiant smiles of the Bal Ashram children truly captured the festival’s spirit — a celebration where culture meets compassion.