Epitome of divine fervour, weeklong fest of Mahashivratri begins in Mandi today

Picturesque Mandi city is all set to host the weeklong international Mahashivratri fair beginning tomorrow. The vibrant festival will showcase a rich blend of local culture, traditions and international participation, making it a key event for both residents and tourists.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will inaugurate the festival and kick off the festivities. The deities from the region, 216 in total, have been invited to take part in the divine celebrations. Some of these deities have already arrived in Mandi, creating an air of anticipation. According to Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the event is successful and memorable. He emphasised the importance of local residents and tourists coming together to celebrate the rich deity culture and traditions of the region.

One of the main attractions of the festival will be the international cultural parade, featuring participants from Malaysia, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka and other nations. The parade promises to be a grand display of global cultural diversity, aligning perfectly with the theme of unity and shared heritage.

Besides the parade, each evening of the festival will feature cultural performances. The first evening on February 27 will showcase a performance by renowned artistes such as Neha Dixit (Indian Idol fame), Lakhwinder Wadali and international groups.

Subsequent cultural evenings will see performances by various national and international artistes, showcasing a variety of music, dance and folk traditions.

On February 26, the festivities will begin with the Beas aarti at the Panchvaktra Temple in Mandi, which is expected to draw a large crowd. The ‘aarti’, starting at 6.30 pm, will mark the official beginning of the fair.

Other major performances during the week include presentations by well-known artistes such as Diksha Toor, Kulwinder Billa, Amika Shail, Inderjeet and Ajay Chauhan, alongside international teams. The final cultural evening on March 4 will feature the ‘Voice of Shivratri’ performance, featuring Shivjot and various international groups.

For the safety and smooth functioning of the event, the local administration has ensured a strong police presence across Mandi and its surrounding areas. The festival will conclude with a special ceremony, where the Governor will be the chief guest.