Mandi celebrates Holi; devotees take part in Madho Rai’s procession

The Holi festival was celebrated with enthusiasm and traditional fervour here today. Residents in a large number gathered at Seri Manch to mark the joyous occasion, smearing ‘gulal’ on one another and exchanging festive greetings.

The celebrations witnessed an impressive turnout, particularly the youth, who danced energetically and filled the air with colourful ‘gulal’, symbolising harmony and unity. The festive spirit continued well into the afternoon with music and cheer in the town. A lively DJ setup arranged by organisers Dharmender Rana, Raja Singh Malohtra, Monika Thakur, Kartavya Vaidh and Deep Kapoor further enlivened the celebrations. Their efforts ensured nonstop entertainment, drawing enthusiastic participation from revellers and adding to the electrifying ambience at the venue.

To maintain peace and order, the district administration had made comprehensive security arrangements. Adequate police personnel were deployed under the supervision of SP Vinod Kumar. The strong security presence ensured smooth and incident-free celebrations throughout the town.

A traditional Shobha Yatra was taken out featuring the town’s chief deity, Madho Rai, adding a spiritual dimension to the festivities. Devotees participated in the festivities with deep reverence, offering ‘gulal’ to the deity as the procession passed through various streets of Mandi. The religious procession marked the formal conclusion of the Holi celebrations in the town.

Holi is celebrated in Mandi a day prior to the official date, a distinctive local tradition that enhances the cultural uniqueness of the region. The day concluded with warm wishes from the local authorities. Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan extended greetings to residents, applauding the spirit of communal harmony and cultural vibrancy displayed during the celebrations. Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur along with his wife Sadhna Thakur also attended the event for sometime at Seri Manch. He extended Holi greetings to the people of Mandi as well as of the whole state.