Folk, Sufi beats dazzle crowd on Day 1

The historic Seri Stage and the Chanani ground came alive with music, cheers and applause last night as the first cultural evening of the International Mahashivratri Festival in Mandi witnessed electrifying performances by renowned and emerging artistes.

The audience welcomed popular folk singer Kuldeep Sharma with loud whistles and applause as he took the stage. Sharma began his performance with a devotional “Satguru Vandana” and then treated the crowd to a series of his hit Himachali songs, including “Laga Dholora Dhamaka”, “Shilpa Shimle Waliye”, and “Rohru Jana Meri Aamiye”. His energetic performance kept the youth dancing throughout late evening. He also delivered a social message through his song highlighting the harmful effects of drug abuse.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri attended the event as chief guest, accompanied by MLA Chander Shekhar. The cultural night began with a traditional “Mangalacharan” presented by Beeri Singh and his party.

Indian Idol fame Nitin Sharma from Una district captivated the audience with patriotic and Bollywood numbers. He opened with the patriotic song “Sandese Aate Hain”, followed by popular tracks like “Tumhe Dillagi Bhool Jani Padegi” and “Mere Rashke Qamar”. His blend of Hindi, Pahari and Punjabi songs had the crowd swaying and singing along.

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame Neha Dixit added a romantic touch to the evening with her melodious voice. She performed Bollywood numbers, including “Saiyaara” and other romantic hits, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Folk singer Joni Thakur also won applause with songs such as “Mat Chhed Sawariya” and other traditional melodies.

Artistes from various districts showcased regional talent. ISKCON-Mandi artistes performed devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Krishna, while singers from Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Sarkaghat, Una, Rewalsar and Sundernagar presented folk, devotional and Bollywood songs. The evening reflected Himachal’s rich cultural heritage and musical diversity, leaving the audience mesmerised and setting a festive tone for the remaining days of the International Mahashivratri festival.

Sufi singer enthralls audience at Baijnath

Renowned Sufi and Punjabi singer Kanwar Grewal enthralled the audience with his soulful performances on the first cultural evening of the state-level Shivratri Festival at Baijnath in Kangra district. As he rendered his popular song numbers, including the energetic “Samne Hove Yaar Ta Nachna Painda Hai,” the crowd swayed in unison, creating a spiritually charged yet festive atmosphere.

Divisional Commissioner-cum-Settlement Officer Sandeep Kumar was the chief guest of the evening. SDM, Baijnath, Sankalp Gautam welcomed Sandeep Kumar and honoured him with a traditional Himachali cap, shawl and a memento symbolising the rich heritage of the historic temple town.

Besides Grewal, local artistes, including Rakhi Gautam, Sunil Masti and Avagya Band, captivated the audience with their vibrant performances, adding colour and diversity to the evening’s cultural lineup.

SC Cell vice-president Ravindra Bittu, District Congress president Anurag Sharma, Ravinder Rao, Tehsildar Baijnath Raman Thakur, DSP Sandeep Sharma along with the officers of various departments, employees, and a large gathering of local residents and dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The evening marked an energetic beginning of the Shivratri celebrations, blending devotion with music and reinforcing Baijnath’s reputation as a cultural and spiritual hub of Himachal Pradesh.