158 Deities Arrive for International Mahashivaratri Festival Amid Changing Weather in Mandi.
Shimla:
The city of Mandi transformed into a divine hub as 158 deities from different parts of the region arrived to participate in the International Mahashivaratri Festival. Despite the rapidly changing weather conditions, the deities made their way to the city accompanied by the beat of drums, cymbals, and other traditional instruments, filling the air with a festive spirit. Thousands of devotees danced and celebrated as they entered the city, turning Mandi into a divine, “small Kashi.”
Deities from the regions of Seraj, Chauhar, Badar, Sanor, and Balh valley made their way to Mandi for the grand festival, which will run from February 27 to March 5. At the city’s main entry points, including Pulgharat, Victoria Bridge, and Paddal, officials from the district administration and the Sarv Devta Seva Samiti, along with the Raj Deity Madhorai’s staff, warmly welcomed the arriving deities with grandeur and ceremony.
In keeping with tradition, the deities first visited the Madhorai temple to pay their respects before proceeding to their respective places of rest for the night.
According to the Sarv Devta Seva Samiti, 216 deities are officially registered, of which around 190 participate in the Mahashivaratri festival every year. Many deities, however, arrive uninvited, bringing the total number of deities to over 300. This year’s festival promises to be an extravagant affair, brimming with religious fervor.
Among the deities present were Dev Aadi Brahma, Dev Chaplandu Nag, Baiyla Narayan from Saraj Valley, Dev Chamahoo and Chhanju from Bali Chowki, and many others including Dev Vishnu Matloda and Markandey Rishi. Their arrival turned Mandi into a city overflowing with devotional energy.
Devotees flocked to the streets to catch a glimpse of the deities and receive their blessings, causing occasional disruptions to traffic. The extraordinary scene of the deities’ procession left a lasting impression on all those in attendance.
