Chhoti Kashi comes alive: Mandavya Utsav opens with grandeur, devotion

The five-day Mandavya Utsav Chhoti Kashi-2025, celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh’s “Cultural Capital” Mandi, began on Wednesday with grandeur, traditional rituals and a majestic Shobha Yatra (procession) from the historic Madho Rai Temple.

The festival was inaugurated with prayers at the Madho Rai Temple, dedicated to the royal deity of Mandi and at the Bhootnath Temple, the presiding deity of the town. A havan was performed near the sacred Mandav Shila, invoking blessings for world peace and public welfare.

Mandi Mayor Virender Bhatt Sharma, along with councillors, priests and members of the Dharmasangh Bhootnath Temple Committee, performed the inaugural puja. After the rituals, Prasad was distributed at the Paddal Ground, marking the spiritual beginning of the celebrations.

The grand Shobha Yatra started from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, moving through Chauhata Bazaar, Samkhetar, Balak Rurupi and Bhootnath, before concluding at the historic Seri Manch. There, cultural troupes, school students and the police band presented vibrant performances showcasing the rich folk traditions of Himachal.

According to Mandi Municipal Commissioner Rohit Rathour, a panel comprising District Language Officer Revati Saini, folk singer Krishna Thakur and APRO Vinod Verma judged the cultural tableaux. The Indus Global School, Mandi, won first place, followed by PM Shri Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Mandi, and Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Mandi.

Commissioner Rathour said the festival aims to preserve and promote Mandi’s folk life, art and traditions not just within Himachal Pradesh but across the country. Evening cultural performances are being held at the Chhota Paddal Ground, with the inaugural night featuring the popular “Nati King” Kuldeep Sharma.

He added that the event’s success is being ensured through collaboration with local cultural organisations and scholars of Himachali folk heritage.