Traditional fervour grips Mandi on Mahashivratri

On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi and Chairman of the International Mahashivratri Festival, Apoorv Devgan, participated in religious ceremonies held here today.

Accompanied by his wife Shweta Devgan and other dignitaries, the Deputy Commissioner took part in the traditional Shivratri Mahayagya organised in the courtyard of Raj Devta Madhav Rai Temple. He later paid obeisance at Shyama Kali Temple and offered prayers to the revered deity Kamrunag, who is considered the presiding deity of the Mandi district.

He also performed puja at the historic Baba Bhootnath Temple and participated in the havan ceremony. The Deputy Commissioner joined the traditional Jaleb procession that commenced from Madhav Rai Temple and proceeded towards Baba Bhootnath Temple. The procession, accompanied by a police contingent, Home Guards band and various local deities, formally extended an invitation to Baba Bhootnath for the grand festival.

Several prominent personalities were present on the occasion, including Mandi Municipal Corporation Mayor Virender Bhatt and councillors, Sarv Devta Samaj Committee president Shiv Pal Sharma and other committee representatives, Additional Deputy Commissioner Gursimar Singh, Additional District Magistrate Dr Madan Kumar, SDM Rupinder Kaur, along with other officials and local residents.

Extending his greetings on Mahashivratri, DC Devgan invited people to participate in the international festival. He stated that the festival is being celebrated with special emphasis on the region’s rich Dev culture and traditions. The week-long event, scheduled from February 16 to February 22, will focus on connecting the public with local deities, sacred customs and the vibrant spiritual heritage of the district.

He further said that the administration aims to ensure that this grand congregation of faith strengthens the cultural fabric of the region and deepens the younger generation’s connection with Dev traditions. Special efforts have been made to uphold all rituals with devotion while encouraging active public participation in the celebrations.

On the occasion of Mahashivratri, devotees in large numbers thronged to temples in Mandi, Kullu and, Lahaul and Spiti to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva and his blessings. Temples like Baba Bhootnath, Mahamrityunjay, Panchvaktra in Mandi, Bijli Mahadev, Anjani Mahadev in Kullu and Trilokinath in Lahaul and Spiti witnessed hoge rush of devotees throughout the day today.