Mandi : Auditions Begin February 19; Grand Finale on March 4 at Seri Stage. The historic International Shivratri Festival 2025 in Mandi is set to introduce an exciting new attraction—‘Voice of Shivratri’, a singing competition that will provide a platform for emerging vocal talents.
This is the first time in the festival’s history that such a competition is being organized, adding a new dimension to the grand cultural celebrations.
The competition will honor not just the winner but also recognize exceptional talent with two special awards—‘Best Stage Performer’ and ‘Most Unique Voice’.
The auditions for ‘Voice of Shivratri’ will be held from February 19 to February 23 at Table Tennis Hall, Paddal Ground, Mandi, from 11:00 AM onwards.
A Historic First for Mandi Shivratri
For centuries, the Mandi Shivratri Festival has been renowned for its cultural richness, vibrant processions, and traditional performances.
This year, with the launch of ‘Voice of Shivratri,’ the festival takes a significant step toward encouraging young and emerging musical talent.
According to Rohit Rathore, Chairman of the Cultural Program Sub-Committee and Additional Deputy Commissioner, this initiative aims to provide a platform for promising singers from Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
“The ‘Voice of Shivratri’ competition will bring fresh energy to the festival, offering a unique stage for young vocalists to showcase their talent in front of a large audience.
We are expecting participation from across the state and other regions as well,” said Rathore.
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to solo singers across various genres, including Bollywood, Folk, Himachali, Indie, Classical, and Fusion music.
• Eligibility: Contestants must be 16 years or older as of January 1, 2025.
• Only solo performances are allowed; duets and group performances will not be considered.
• Applications are open to participants from Himachal Pradesh and other states.
How to Apply?
Interested singers can apply through:
• Online registration via the official Google Form link
• Offline registration at the District Development Office (Rural Development), Mandi
• Deadline for applications: February 18, 2025, by 5:00 PM
Applicants need to submit:
• A valid identity proof (Aadhaar card or equivalent)
• A date of birth certificate
• A recent passport-size photograph
Registration is completely free. Those who have already applied do not need to register again. The final list of applicants will be available on the official district website https://hpmandi.nic.in and the Facebook pages of the Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, and the District Public Relations Officer, Mandi.
Audition Process & Grand Finale
• The first round of auditions will take place alongside the cultural evening auditions.
• Only shortlisted candidates from the auditions will move to the next round. No direct entry to the finals will be allowed.
• Participants can sing any song of their choice, but objectionable or inappropriate content is strictly prohibited.
• The jury may also ask participants to perform a song of their choosing.
The grand finale of ‘Voice of Shivratri’ will take place on March 4, 2025, at Seri Stage, starting at 4:30 PM.
Three-Round Performance Challenge in Finale
Finalists will be required to showcase their versatility by performing three different types of songs:
1. A Bollywood or Indie song
2. A folk or devotional song (including Sufi, Bhajan, or semi-classical)
3. A fusion or classical song
Exciting Prizes & Opportunities
• Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three winners.
• All finalists will receive consolation prizes.
• Participants in the first-round auditions may also be selected for the cultural evenings based on their performance.
Rules & Guidelines
• The jury’s decision will be final.
• Any misconduct, inappropriate behavior, or negative social media remarks against fellow participants, jury members, or organizers will lead to immediate disqualification.
• Participants must bear their own travel, accommodation, and food expenses.
• Punctuality is mandatory—latecomers may be disqualified.
With ‘Voice of Shivratri’ making its debut this year, the festival is set to reach new artistic heights while staying true to its cultural roots.
Aspiring singers now have a golden opportunity to make their mark on one of Himachal’s most prestigious stages.
Munish Sood (Mandi)
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