First-ever Mandavya Festival celebrated in Mandi, find out who Sage Mandavya was
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MANDI: The first-ever Mandavya Festival was celebrated in the sacred town of Chhoti Kashi (Mandi) in Himachal Pradesh as people paid tributes to Sage Mandavya, whose principles shaped modern judicial protections for children.
This grand event celebrated the shared heritage of Hindu and Sikh traditions, bringing together thousands of devotees and cultural enthusiasts in a remarkable display of spiritual and cultural pride.
Procession, rituals at Mandavya Shila
The festivities began early Friday morning at the historic Raj Madhav Rai Temple, where rituals were performed to honour Sage Mandavya. The event featured a vibrant Shobha Yatra (procession) led by traditional music and colourful decorations, which passed through the town’s streets on its way to Mandavya Shila.
For the first time, the idol of Raj Madhav Rai was carried to Mandavya Shila in a beautifully adorned palanquin, accompanied by the chariots of Jagjanani Lakshmi, Mata Kali, and Mata Ugratara.
At Mandavya Shila, located on the Kolasar rock in the Beas river, a havan yagna was performed by the Dharma Sangh, concluding with Purnahuti (final offering). Devotees participated in chanting, singing bhajans, and performing traditional rituals. Sadar MLA Anil Sharma and other dignitaries joined the procession and rituals, making it a grand celebration of spiritual unity.
Cultural exhibitions and performances
Along the Beas river, an exhibition highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage was organised, showcasing local art, historical replicas and depictions of ancient Mandi’s way of life. The festival also featured cultural programmes, with schoolchildren and local artistes presenting devotional songs and bhajans, adding to the event’s grandeur.
Honoring Guru Gobind Singh’s legacy
The first-ever Mandavya Festival celebration also commemorated Guru Gobind Singh, who meditated at Mandavya Shila in the 17th century and blessed Mandi with prosperity and protection. Sikh devotees attended in large numbers, participating in a ceremonial reading from Sikh scriptures. The moment reflected the site’s significance across religious traditions, uniting communities in celebration.
Mayor commends initiative
Mandi Mayor Virendra Bhatt, who inaugurated the heritage exhibition, lauded the event’s success. He remarked, “This festival has brought the history of Choti Kashi alive and united the community in honoring our cultural roots. This will be remembered as a historic occasion and a new tradition that will continue with even more grandeur in the future.”
The first-ever Mandavya Festival concluded with a pledge to uphold the values of compassion, justice and unity, which Sage Mandavya and Guru Gobind Singh exemplified. The Municipal Corporation announced plans to make the festival an annual event, adding it to Mandi’s cultural calendar and drawing visitors from across the region.
