Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri inaugurates week-long celebrations, unveils 500-year commemorative logo
Munish Sood
Mandi
The historic town of Mandi, known as Himachal Pradesh’s “Choti Kashi,” came alive with devotion, tradition and cultural vibrancy on Sunday as the world-famous International Maha Shivratri Festival 2026 formally began with the ceremonial first Jaleb procession of the presiding deity Shri Raj Madhav Rai.
The seven-day festival, regarded as one of the most significant spiritual congregations in the Himalayan region, was inaugurated at the iconic Paddal Ground with flag hoisting and traditional rituals, marking the official start of the celebrations.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, attending as the Chief Guest, launched the festival programme, inaugurated departmental exhibitions, released the official souvenir, and unveiled a special logo commemorating 500 years of Mandi’s rich historical legacy.
Sacred Jaleb Procession Draws Massive Participation
Earlier in the day, Agnihotri offered prayers at the Shri Raj Madhav Rai Temple before joining the first traditional Jaleb procession, a centuries-old ritual that signals the formal beginning of the festival.
The grand procession, moving from the temple to Paddal Ground, witnessed thousands of devotees dressed in traditional attire dancing alongside their local deities, creating a striking spectacle of faith and folk heritage.
Festival organisers confirmed that more than 200 gods and goddesses from across Himachal Pradesh have already arrived in Mandi, reinforcing the event’s unique identity as a living celebration of the state’s Dev culture.
“A Living Symbol of Himachal’s Dev Tradition”
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister described the Maha Shivratri Festival as more than a religious occasion.
“This festival is not merely a celebration. It is a symbol of our collective faith, cultural continuity and the deep-rooted Dev tradition that defines Himachal Pradesh,” he said.
He noted that Mandi’s 500-year journey reflects the town’s enduring spiritual and cultural significance.
International Recognition and Growing Global Appeal
Agnihotri credited former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh for giving international recognition to the Mandi Shivratri Festival and the Kullu Dussehra fair, helping them emerge as globally acknowledged cultural events.
With foreign artists and visitors increasingly participating, the festival has become a key representation of Himachal’s cultural pride on the world stage.
Deputy CM Raises Concern Over Financial Support
On the sidelines of the event, the Deputy Chief Minister also expressed concern over the discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grants and GST compensation, calling it contrary to the principles of federalism.
He urged the Prime Minister to intervene to safeguard Himachal Pradesh’s financial rights, while assuring that salaries, pensions and development works would continue without disruption.
Enhanced Arrangements for Deities This Year
Deputy Commissioner and Festival Organising Committee Chairman Apoorv Devgan welcomed dignitaries and highlighted that special pagoda-style shelters have been created for the deities for the first time, adding greater dignity and grandeur to the traditional arrangements.
He also outlined the cultural programmes and events planned throughout the week-long festival.
Prominent Leaders and Officials Attend Inauguration
The inaugural ceremony was attended by MLA Chandrashekhar, former ministers Thakur Kaul Singh and Prakash Chaudhary, APMC Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, Mayor Virendra Bhatt, Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar, Sarv Devta Committee President Shivpal Sharma, and other senior officials and public representatives.
