Thousands witness Maha Aarti on Beas banks

In a spiritually uplifting celebration marking the International Shivratri Festival, thousands of devotees gathered on the banks of the Beas River near the historic Panchvaktra Mahadev Temple to witness the grand Beas Maha Aarti here last evening.

The sacred ceremony was organised as a major highlight of the renowned International Shivratri Festival of Mandi. The event drew an overwhelming response from residents, visitors and devotees who assembled in large numbers to participate in the divine ritual performed on the riverbank.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri attended the ceremony as the chief guest. Participating in the Maha Aarti, he offered prayers. After the aarti, he said the Beas Maha Aarti had begun with renewed energy and enthusiasm and was poised to become a distinct cultural and spiritual identity of Mandi in the coming years. He added that the ceremony was gradually being established as a cherished tradition of the Shivratri festivities.

He congratulated Shivratri Mahotsav Committee President and MLA Chander Shekhar, along with the district administration, for successfully organising the grand spiritual event.

The rituals of the Maha Aarti were conducted with Vedic chants by five learned priests who had arrived from Varanasi, adding traditional authenticity and spiritual grandeur to the ceremony. This year holds special significance for Mandi as the historic town is entering its 500th year of establishment. To commemorate the milestone, a spectacular laser show depicting the town’s rich history and cultural heritage was also presented.

The event witnessed active participation and support from various social organisations and citizens of the town, reflecting strong community involvement in preserving and promoting cultural traditions.

Among those present were MLA Anil Sharma, former ministers Kaul Singh Thakur, Prakash Chaudhary, DC Apoorv Devgan, SP Vinod Kumar, along with several other dignitaries and thousands of devotees. The aarti concluded on a devotional note, leaving the riverbank illuminated with lamps and resonating with chants.