Deity Kamrunag’s arrival marks spiritual start of Mahashivratri fair in Himachal's Mandi

The International Mahashivratri Festival commenced today with the arrival of the revered rain god, Kamrunag, in ‘Chhoti Kashi’.Although the official week-long festival will be held from February 16 to February 22, the arrival of the deity marked the spiritual beginning of the grand celebrations. More than 216 deities from across Mandi district have been invited to participate in the festival.The fair traces its origins to the reign of King Ishwari Sen in the late 18th century. After his release following years of captivity during conflicts involving Sansar Chand, the king invited hill deities to celebrate his return on Mahashivratri. Over time, this tradition evolved into the grand fair now recognised internationally, blending age-old customs with modern cultural performances in Mandi town.Earlier in the day, Kamrunag was received at Pulgharat by the Sarv Devta Samiti, led by its president, Shiv Pal Sharma. The welcome was marked by traditional rituals and devotional fervour.Deity Kamrunag, along with other prominent deities, including Shukdev Dagandhu, Shukdev Thatta, Devi Baglamukhi and Devi Buddhi Bhairav, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the historic Raj Madhav Temple. A special puja was performed in honour of the deity and a formal welcome was extended on behalf of the district administration.In keeping with royal tradition, Raja Omeshwar Singh Sen paid his respects to the deity at the Rajmahal Palace. The arrival of deity Kamrunag is considered especially significant in this agrarian region as the deity is believed to bless the area with rain.In a rare and symbolic ritual, the visiting deities embraced one another at the temple premises, signifying unity and divine blessings for the region. The ceremony formally marked the beginning of the religious and cultural proceedings associated with the internationally renowned festival.

Deity Kamrunag’s arrival marks spiritual start of Mahashivratri fair in Himachal's Mandi

More than 216 deities from across Mandi invited to participate in the festival

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Deity Kamrunag’s arrival marks spiritual start of Mahashivratri fair in Himachal's Mandi

More than 216 deities from across Mandi invited to participate in the festival

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Unlock Premium Insights in This Article