Mandi: – The banks of the Beas River in Mandi witnessed a historic spiritual event as the first-ever Beas Aarti was performed on the eve of Mahashivratri.
With the presence of revered priests from Kashi (Banaras), the grand spectacle mirrored the divine traditions of Ganga Aarti in Haridwar and Varanasi, marking a new spiritual chapter for ‘Choti Kashi’—the sacred title that Mandi proudly carries.
The aarti was held in front of the iconic Panchvaktra Temple, a revered Shiva shrine situated at the confluence of the Beas and Suketi rivers.
The holy ambiance was amplified by the rhythmic chants of Vedic hymns, the blowing of conch shells, and the resonating clang of temple bells, as thousands of devotees gathered to witness the luminous spectacle.
Banaras Pandits Lead Mandi’s Divine Awakening
A team of highly learned priests from Kashi led the Aarti, ensuring its authenticity and grandeur. Dressed in traditional attire, they orchestrated the rituals with precision, invoking Lord Shiva’s blessings in a ceremony that resonated deeply with the assembled devotees.
As the evening sky turned crimson, the riverbanks were illuminated by hundreds of oil lamps, creating a mesmerizing scene of faith and devotion.
Five elaborately decorated platforms were set up along the river, where priests conducted the Maha Aarti, holding massive brass lamps that sent golden flames dancing over the water.
Inspired by the spiritual fervor, devotees joined in, lighting lamps and placing them along the banks, turning the entire area into a glowing sanctuary of divine energy.
Strengthening Mandi’s Religious and Cultural Heritage
This landmark event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Dharmpur MLA Chandrashekhar, APMC Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, and Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan, who also serves as the Chairman of the Choti Kashi International Mahashivratri Festival Committee.
Devgan called it a “moment of divine awakening” for Mandi, emphasizing how Beas Aarti could become an annual tradition that strengthens the town’s spiritual identity.
“With the same devotion that the Ganga Aarti ignites in Haridwar and Banaras, the Beas Aarti has now sparked spiritual fervor in the hearts of our people,” said Devgan.
A Grand Festival of Faith
The ongoing Mahashivratri festival in Mandi has drawn international attention, with cultural troupes from five countries participating in the celebrations.
The festival’s Grand Cultural Parade on February 28 will showcase vibrant performances from Himachal, other Indian states, and international artists, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
As the Aarti concluded, the floating lamps carried the prayers of thousands down the Beas, symbolizing the dawn of a new spiritual tradition.
With this first-ever Beas Aarti, Mandi has set a precedent that is poised to become a lasting legacy, uniting faith, culture, and devotion for generations to come.
Munish Sood
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