Five-day celebration to showcase cultural, spiritual, artistic legacy of town
Munish Sood
MANDI:
The historic town of Mandi came alive today with the commencement of the five-day Mandav Utsav, a cultural and spiritual celebration dedicated to preserving the region’s rich heritage. Organised by the Mandi Municipal Corporation, the festival will continue till November 9, with a series of devotional rituals, traditional performances and folk music events set to transform the town into a hub of cultural vibrancy.
Mayor Virendra Bhatt Sharma said the festival is a tribute to Rishi Mandavya, the sage after whom the town derives its name. “Mandi has been the meditation ground of Mandavya Rishi. Through this Utsav, we aim to honour our spiritual roots and showcase the unique cultural identity of Mandi to the younger generation,” he said.
Paddal Ground becomes main venue
This year, the Paddal Ground, located near the historic Gurdwara, has been chosen as the main venue for the festivities. While the civic representatives and members of religious institutions offered traditional prayers at Mandav Shila this morning, arrangements at Paddal have been made to ensure greater participation and convenience for the public.
The day began with the Mandav Shila Puja at 9 am, followed by worship at the Madhav Rai and Baba Bhootnath temples. Later, a grand Shobha Yatra was carried out from Raj Madhav Rai Temple, passing through Samkheter School, Baba Bhootnath Temple, Seri Manch, Mahamrityunjay Temple and ITI Chowk, culminating at Paddal Ground. The procession showcased the spiritual unity and traditional splendour that define Mandi’s cultural ethos.
Cultural extravaganza marks the opening day
The inaugural cultural session witnessed enthusiastic performances by school students, local artists, and the popular Hum Himachali troupe. The evening highlight will feature celebrated Himachali folk singer Kuldeep Sharma, whose performance is expected to draw a massive audience.
The festival promises a diverse blend of performances over the next four days:
• November 6: Morning and evening sessions by school groups and local artists, followed by an evening performance by Devbrat Pandit.
• November 7: Cultural programmes with Bhirathi artists and a main act by Mamta Bhardwaj.
• November 8: Performance by renowned folk singer Kaku Ram Thakur.
• November 9: The closing ceremony will feature Gaurav Kaundal as the star performer.
A Cultural Confluence of Tradition and Devotion
According to the organisers, Mandav Utsav is not just a festival but a reaffirmation of Mandi’s identity as a confluence of faith, tradition, and art. The event aims to connect the younger generation with their roots while showcasing the vibrancy of Himachal’s folk culture to visitors.
Over the next five days, Mandi is expected to resonate with devotional chants, folk melodies, and colourful performances — turning the town into a living canvas of Himachali tradition and timeless spirituality.
