Mandi (Munish Sood)
The first ‘nyundra’ (invitation) for the International Shivratri Festival in Mandi has been extended to Bada Dev Kamrunag by the festival organising committee’s president and Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apurva Devgan.
The invitation was formally presented by Gohar Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Laxman Kanet. This year, the administration plans to invite 216 deities to the Shivratri Festival. Each invitation will be crafted in the traditional Mandi Kalam style.
The invitation for Bada Dev Kamrunag was also prepared using this intricate art form. Kamrunag’s priest, Devi Singh, and Katwal, Kahan Singh, accepted the invitation.
It is noteworthy that the formal proceedings of this internationally renowned festival, celebrated for its cultural heritage, begin after the grand union of Dev Kamrunag and Lord Madhav Rai. Upon Bada Dev Kamrunag’s arrival at Mandi, he is ceremonially welcomed at the city’s entrance gate, marking the official commencement of the festival.
Mandi DC to formally welcome deity on February 25
The custodians of Bada Dev Kamrunag have already begun preparations for the Mandi Shivratri Festival. The Deputy Commissioner will formally welcome Bada Dev Kamrunag at Pulgharat, Mandi, on February 25.
Following this, the royal family of the erstwhile Mandi princely state will receive the deity in Mandi city. After visiting King Madhav Rai at his palace and resting briefly, Dev Kamrunag will reside at the Shyamkali Temple in Tarna until the festival concludes. Other deities arriving in Mandi will also pay their respects at the court of Shri Madhav Rai.
Effort to bring Mandi Kalam Art to every household
“This year, from the 15th to the 22nd of Phagun, Samvat 2081 (February 25 to March 5, 2025), the International Shivratri Festival will be celebrated in Mandi. We humbly request all of you to grace the event as per the ancient traditions and bless us with your presence. Shri 108 Madhav Rai Ji blesses everyone every year with his divine sight. May you also extend your blessings at this year’s Shivratri festival,” reads the invitation in the traditional Mandiyali dialect.
The invitation cards, designed with artwork reflecting the Mandi Kalam style of Pahari miniature paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries, were officially launched by Apurva Devgan, Deputy Commissioner and President of the Shivratri Mela Committee.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Rohit Rathore, convener of the Deity Sub-Committee Dr Madan Kumar (ADM Mandi), District Revenue Officer Harish Sharma, District Development Officer Gopi Chand Pathak and artiste Rajesh Kumar were present at the event. The committee plans to send out these invitations to 216 deities participating in the festival.
Apurva Devgan emphasised that the International Shivratri Mela is primarily a festival of deities. The general assembly decided that the invitations sent to the deities should be of high quality, reflecting the dignity of the event. Keeping this in mind, beautiful invitations were crafted using the Mandiyali language and Mandi Kalam style.
Prominent contributions in preparing the invitations came from renowned artiste Rajesh Kumar, District Development Officer Gopi Chand Pathak, Assistant Deputy Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Patial, and team members from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, including Vijay, Rajesh and Suresh. Senior citizens Vinod Vahal, Anil Sharma, and Jagdish Kapoor also played key roles.
The Deputy Commissioner noted that the invitations aim to revive and popularise the Mandi Kalam style, prevalent during the reign of King Siddh Sen from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The cards showcase the royal grandeur of that era, featuring a colour palette of red, green, blue, yellow and golden hues typical of Mandi Kalam.
The invitations were crafted using the authentic Mandiyali dialect, with a royal touch achieved through the use of 250 GSM paper and advanced lifting techniques.
