Mandi (Munish Sood)
Preparations have begun for the world-famous International Shivratri Festival in Mandi. A general assembly was held on Monday under the chairmanship of Dharampur MLA Chandershekhar at the Sanskriti Sadan in Kangnidhar.
During the meeting, non-governmental and governmental members of various subcommittees involved in organising the festival shared their valuable suggestions. Topics discussed included accommodations for deities and devotees, traffic management, cleanliness, sports events, city decoration, financial planning, road maintenance, cultural programs, souvenir publication and exhibitions. The MLA instructed officials to implement all practical suggestions.
The first grand procession (Jaleb) of the Mandi Mahashivratri Fair will take place on Thursday, February 27, followed by the mid-procession on March 2 and the final procession on March 5. These processions will include captivating tableaux. Cultural evenings will be hosted at Seri Stage from February 27 to March 4.
MLA Chandershekhar announced that the 2025 Mandi Shivratri Festival will be celebrated with grandeur and divinity at an international level. Inspired by the Kullu Dussehra model, international artistes have been invited.
He assured that the festival will honor both deities and public sentiments, emphasizing that the deities are the soul of the fair and will be treated with utmost respect. Cabinet ministers will also attend the cultural evenings.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan expressed gratitude to the MLA and reiterated the administration’s commitment to working as a team for the successful organization of the festival.
The meeting also reviewed last year’s financial report. The fair committee generated ₹5.34 crore in revenue from various sources, while ₹4.70 crore was spent on different events. Additionally, ₹76 lakh was paid as GST last year.
Prominent attendees included Sanjeev Guleria, Chairman of the Agriculture Produce Market Committee; former CPS Sohan Lal Thakur; Zila Parishad member Champa Thakur; Mandi Mayor Virender Bhatt; former Milk Federation Chairman Chet Ram Thakur; H.P. Cooperative Bank Director Lal Singh Kaushal; Sarv Devta Committee President Shivpal Sharma; Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan; SP Sakshi Verma; ADC Rohit Rathore; ADM Dr. Madan Kumar, and other officials and committee members.
Cricket tournament to be held during festival
A cricket tournament will be included among the sports events during the festival. This competition will be organised at Paddal Ground prior to the start of the fair.
The MLA mentioned that efforts are underway to elevate this tournament to a national level in the future, offering opportunities to local talents. Other sports events include a half marathon, boxing, basketball, volleyball, traditional wrestling (Chhinj), shooting, and cycling competitions.
International cultural groups to participate
For the first time, international cultural groups will participate in the Shivratri Festival. All necessary formalities for their invitation have been completed by the festival committee. Additionally, the North Zone Cultural Center from Patiala has also been invited.
During the festival, all temples, historical buildings, and significant landmarks in the city will be specially decorated and illuminated. The city will also feature ornate arches and decorations.
Exhibitions to showcase government schemes
Various government departments will set up exhibitions at Paddal to inform the public about state government schemes and programs. These exhibitions will highlight key achievements and initiatives of the government.
Comprehensive arrangements will be made for cleanliness during the festival. Shopkeepers will be sensitized, temporary toilets will be installed, and firms auctioning spaces at Paddal Ground and other locations will be required to maintain cleanliness and restore the grounds to their original condition after the festival ends.
