Munish Sood
MANDI
Preparations for the International Mandi Shivratri Festival-2026, scheduled to be held from February 16 to 22, are in full swing, with the district administration intensifying coordinated efforts to ensure dignified and well-organised celebrations of the globally acclaimed religious and cultural event.
A comprehensive review meeting regarding the festival preparations was held under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, International Shivratri Fair Committee, during which all departments were directed to work in close coordination to uphold the spiritual sanctity and cultural grandeur of the festival.
The Deputy Commissioner said that the Mandi Shivratri Festival is a unique confluence of devotional faith, ancient traditions and the rich cultural legacy of the region, drawing participation from revered deities and devotees from across the country. He emphasised that collective cooperation of all departments, committees and stakeholders would be essential to ensure smooth and memorable celebrations.
Special focus on deity arrangements
To ensure timely invitations, respectful reception and proper accommodation of all participating deities, a deity sub-committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Additional District Magistrate. All traditional protocols and long-established customs will be strictly observed throughout the festival period.
Efforts are also underway to develop a permanent and aesthetically designed seating area for deities at the Paddal Fair Ground, which will significantly enhance the devotional experience for pilgrims and facilitate better Dev Darshan during the traditional Dev Parikrama. Cooperation of the Sarv Devta Committee and all stakeholders concerned has been sought to preserve the established Dev Kram and sacred traditions.
Directions have been issued to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and executing agencies to ensure suitable arrangements on under-construction road stretches, particularly on routes from Padhar and Tungal Valley, to facilitate the smooth movement of deities and devotees.
Thematic cultural evenings and global outreach
As part of the celebrations, thematic cultural evenings will be organised, reflecting the diverse cultural ethos of Himachal Pradesh. Efforts will be made to give the festival a broader global presence through an International Cultural Parade. Preparations for popular events such as ‘Voice of Shivratri’ are to be completed well in advance.
Under the aegis of the Language and Culture Department, a dedicated Art and Literature Festival will also be organised, featuring classical dance and music performances, bhajan evenings, theatre presentations, poetry recitals and traditional Bajantri musical competitions.
The Shivratri Festival offers a unique opportunity for domestic and international tourists to experience Mandi’s distinctive dev culture and centuries-old traditions. The Tourism Department has been directed to prepare a focused plan to attract a larger influx of visitors during the festival period.
Alongside departmental exhibitions showcasing state government welfare schemes and departmental achievements, a special Mandi Art Festival will be organised this year. The festival will highlight traditional crafts such as Mandi Silk, Mandi Kalam, along with other local handicrafts and artistic expressions.
To enhance the festive ambience, major temples, prominent buildings and key locations across Mandi city will be illuminated with decorative lighting. Departments have been instructed to complete all preparations within stipulated timelines.
The publication of the Shivratri Souvenir will also be ensured on time, incorporating diverse themes, including Mandi city’s entry into its 500th year of establishment.
Cleanliness, safety and civic management
The stall allotment process at Paddal Fair Ground will be completed in a time-bound manner. Coordinated arrangements for food safety, fire services, sanitation and cleanliness will be put in place across the fair ground and the city.
Installation of dustbins at every stall will be mandatory, and non-compliance may invite penalties. The Municipal Corporation has been directed to deploy adequate sanitation staff and additional dustbins at strategic locations.
The meeting also reviewed preparations related to security, financial planning, sports events, traffic management, power and water supply, road maintenance, transport services, health facilities and city beautification.
The proceedings of the meeting were conducted by the Additional District Magistrate, and the meeting was attended by senior district officials, police officers, representatives of the Sarv Devta Committee and officers from all concerned departments.
