Devdhun, Devalu Naati mark end of Mandi’s Shivratri fest

The Devdhun (traditional instrumental) and Devalu Naati competitions marked the conclusion of the vibrant celebrations of the international Mahashivratri festival here on Friday. The final day witnessed an atmosphere filled with devotion, enthusiasm and deep-rooted faith as members of the Dev society and hundreds of devotees gathered to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, Gursimar Singh, who was chief guest, felicitated the winning teams. He said that the Shivratri festival signified not mere religious celebrations but a vibrant reflection of the region’s ancient Dev culture and folk traditions. He added that traditional competitions like Devdhun and Devalu Naati played a significant role in preserving and promoting Himachal Pradesh’s cultural legacy among the younger generation.

A total of 85 deity orchestras (bajantris) participated in the Devdhun/Instrumental category while nine deity-led teams took part in the Devalu Naati competition. The participants delivered captivating performances marked by devotion, discipline and artistic excellence. The rhythmic beats of traditional instruments such as dhol, nagara, karnal and ransingha echoed across the venue, creating a spiritually charged and festive environment. The soulful Devdhun presentations mesmerised the audience while the graceful Devalu Naati performances showcased the elegance and vibrancy of Himachali folk traditions.

In the Devdhun/Instrumental category, Shri Dev Chhamahu Khani Balichowki secured the first position with an outstanding presentation, followed by Shri Dev Ajaypal Kasla Drang in the second place and Shri Dev Kandhlu Balakameshwar Baggi in the third position.

In the Devalu Naati competition, Dev Shri Suhre (Gahri Uttarshaal) clinched the first position with an impressive traditional performance while Dev Shri Chhanjnu Balichowki secured the second place and Dev Shri Tungasi Nihri Saraj finished third.

The panel of judges comprising Murari Sharma, Krishna Devi and Umesh evaluated the performances. District Language Officer Rewati Saini, Sarv Devta Committee president Shiv Pal Sharma, general secretary Dinesh Sharma, along with several prominent members of the Dev society and a large number of devotees, were present on the occasion.