Mandi (Munish Sood)
The International Shivratri Festival 2025, scheduled to be held from February 27 to March 5, promises to be an extraordinary cultural spectacle, blending tradition, music, dance, art and literature.
With a wide array of performances, including Devlu Nati, classical music, bhajan sandhya, poetic symposiums and drama, the festival will offer a glimpse into Mandi’s vibrant heritage.
Adding to the celebrations, the Mandi International Shivratri Fair Committee has announced the launch of a special coffee table book that will document the festival’s historical and cultural significance.
The coffee table book will feature rare photographs, significant events, and local traditions, ensuring that the legacy of the festival is preserved for future generations.
Coffee table book to capture spirit of Shivratri festival
Deputy Commissioner and Shivratri Fair Committee chairman Apoorv Devgan said that the coffee table book will serve as a testament to the faith, history and grandeur of the Shivratri festival.
“This book will highlight the cultural richness of Mandi, showcasing its traditions, past festivals, and historical events,” he said.
To make this initiative inclusive, the committee has invited Mandi residents to contribute old photographs and historical details related to the Shivratri Festival. Selected contributions will be credited in the book, ensuring that the community plays an active role in preserving its heritage.
Committee formed under SDM to finalise content
Interested individuals can submit their materials via email at ctbmandishivratri@gmail.com or through WhatsApp at +91 9418191215 (SDM Office, Mandi) or +91 7018700897 (Assistant Public Relations Officer, Mandi).
A special committee, led by SDM Mandi, has been formed to finalise the content, design and editing of the book.
Once published, it will be available at key locations for public viewing.
The festival will be hosted at two main venues — Paddal Ground and Sanskriti Sadan, Kangnidhar, where a series of performances and competitions will unfold.
- Traditional Devlu Nati and Musical Instrument Performances: A major highlight of the festival, these competitions will take place at Paddal Ground, beginning with participant registration on February 28. The main performances will be held from March 1 to March 4, culminating in the finale on March 4.
- Classical Music and Instrumental Performances: Celebrating India’s rich musical heritage, these performances will be held at Sanskriti Sadan on February 25 at 11 am.
- Bhajan Sandhya (Devotional Music Night): A soulful evening of devotional music is scheduled for February 25 at 5 pm at Sanskriti Sadan.
- Drama Performances: Bringing theatrical storytelling to the forefront, drama performances will be staged at Sanskriti Sadan on February 23 and 24 at 11:00 AM.
- Rangoli Competition: The artistic spirit of the festival will be showcased in a Rangoli competition at Paddal Ground on February 27 at 10 am.
- Poetic Symposium: Celebrating the literary and poetic traditions, a special Kavi Sammelan (Poetic Symposium) will take place on February 28 at 11 am at Sanskriti Sadan.
Registrations can be done till February 20
Organisations and artistes wishing to participate in drama, classical music, bhajan sandhya and rangoli competitions must register by February 20 with the Department of Language and Culture. Applications can be submitted in person or emailed to dlomandi50@gmail.com.
For the Devlu Nati and musical instrument competitions, on-the-spot registration will be held on February 28 at Paddal Ground.
