Mandi: Shivratri focus on tradition, social issues

Mandi, February 27

Reviewing the preparations for the international Shivratri festival, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan today called upon the officials concerned to fulfil their responsibilities for the successful organisation of the fair in Mandi.

The DC said the traditions of the ‘Dev Samaj’ (deity society) would be followed during the week-long Shivratri fair, scheduled to be held from March 9 to 15. He instructed the officials to make all the arrangements concerning the fair in a timely manner.

Devgan enquired about hospitality arrangements for the deities, and also accommodation, food, electricity, drinking water and cleanliness for the devotees.

He directed the officials to make special arrangements for the grand event of Jaleb (Shobha Yatra) in the fair. The DC said the administration and police officers would be deployed at certain spots on the route of the Jaleb to carry out the yatra in an organised manner.

The first Jaleb of the Shivratri fair is set to be taken out on March 9, the second on March 12 and the last on March 15.

Devgan instructed the officials to organise theme-based public awareness programmes every day during the fair, based on social issues. Special focus would be laid on waste management, voter awareness, ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’, honouring martyrs and other social issues, the DC said.

The DC directed officials to make special arrangements for the cleanliness in town during the fair, asking them to ensure that shopkeepers keep separate dustbins for wet and dry waste at stalls.

Municipal Corporation officials should form teams for checking the waste management, the DC said, adding that it should be ensured that single-use plastic products are not used during the fair.

The DC instructed officials concerned to ensure food security and hygiene at every food stall during the week-long Shivratri fair.

Officials of the Food Safety Department were instructed to form squads and inspect stalls during the fair. The DC asked that a food safety testing mobile van be deployed at the Paddal ground.

DC said a colourful souvenir of the fair would be published, asking officials to include articles on art and culture as well as social issues. Instructions were given to make a digital version of the souvenir available on the website in the form of an e-book. Devgan asked officials to make proper arrangements for the development exhibition of various departments in the ground during the fair.

Police and HRTC officials were asked to make proper arrangements for smooth traffic and parking during the fair, with Devgan directing them to prepare a clear plan regarding this and share it with the general public in a timely manner to avoid any inconvenience to the people. Cultural evenings of the Shivratri fair are to be organised on Seri Manch this time as well. The events are set to take place from March 9 to 14. Five of the cultural evenings would end at 10 pm while one would go on till midnight.

Devgan asked officials to organise sports competitions in a grand manner at the fair.

For the first time, shooting and cycling competitions will be held during the fair. As part of the fair, Hockey and football competitions have already started. Badminton, boxing, ‘chhinj’, basketball, kickboxing, volleyball, kabaddi, rangoli, tug-of-war competitions and a marathon are set to be a part of the fair.

Emphasis on food safety

• Officials of the Food Safety Department were instructed by Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan to form squads and inspect stalls during the fair.
• The DC directed officials to deploy a food safety testing mobile van at the Paddal ground during the fair.