Mandi’s Beas Aarti on Maha Shivaratri Aims to Raise Awareness About Protecting Rivers and Nature.
Shimla:
In a groundbreaking move, the historic Beas Aarti held at the Panchvaktar Temple during the International Shivaratri Festival in Mandi aimed to not only celebrate the divine but also raise awareness about the pressing environmental concerns affecting the region’s rivers and water bodies. The grand ceremony, which took place on the evening of Maha Shivaratri at the banks of the Beas river also called as Vipasha, sent a strong message to the public about the urgent need to respect and protect nature, especially rivers that have been severely impacted by pollution.
Local authorities and festival organizers emphasized the importance of safeguarding water bodies, which have been subjected to indiscriminate pollution, including illegal dumping of waste, plastic accumulation, and the dangerous seepage of sewage directly into the rivers. The Beas Aarti was seen as a call to action, encouraging residents to take responsibility for the health of their natural surroundings, particularly the sacred rivers that have long been central to the spiritual and cultural identity of Mandi.
The ceremony was led by renowned priests from Kashi, who performed the Aarti at five special platforms set up at the confluence of the Beas and Suketi rivers. The platforms, illuminated by diyas (lamps) brought by local residents, symbolized the victory of light over darkness, but also served as a visual reminder of the importance of cleansing and protecting the rivers from further harm.
Dignitaries present at the event, including Dharmpur MLA Chander Shekhar, APMC Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, Board of Directors HPMC Joginder Guleria, and Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, highlighted the environmental message of the ceremony. They underscored the festival’s Silver Jubilee celebrations as an opportunity to integrate both spiritual and ecological consciousness into the city’s cultural events.
In addition to the spiritual significance of the Beas Aarti, the event marked a larger initiative to draw attention to the ongoing environmental challenges. Mandi’s local authorities have begun implementing stricter measures to curb illegal dumping, improve waste management, and initiate public awareness campaigns focused on the conservation of water bodies.
The message of the Beas Aarti is clear: protecting rivers, reducing pollution, and ensuring the preservation of water bodies are not only vital for the health of the environment but are also deeply intertwined with the spiritual well-being of the community. As Mandi continues to celebrate its rich traditions, the call for environmental awareness and action has become an essential part of its cultural fabric.
