International Cultural Parade Adds Vibrance to Mandi’s Maha Shivaratri Festival.
Shimla:
The ongoing “Chhoti Kashi International Maha Shivaratri Festival,” taking place from February 27 to March 5 in Mandi, reached a new high on its third day with the grand International Cultural Parade. The event was flagged off by the Minister for Urban and Rural Planning, Technical Education, and Vocational & Industrial Training, Rajesh Dharmani.
The parade, which began at the entrance of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, moved through Seri stage, circling the Indira Market area, and culminated at the same location. The event featured a rich blend of cultural performances from international artists, as well as from various northern states of India, showcasing a unique cultural exchange.
Artists from Ukraine, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan added a global dimension to the parade, displaying the cultural richness of their respective countries. In addition, performers from India’s northern states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, also participated, contributing to the diversity of the parade. Artists from Himachal’s Chamba, Pangi, Bharmour, Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Sirmaur districts also performed traditional cultural acts.
Addressing the gathering, Rajesh Dharmani highlighted that events like these are powerful platforms for cultural exchange between nations. He praised the efforts of the organizing committee of the Chhoti Kashi International Maha Shivaratri Festival, stating that the cultural parade offered a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant traditions of various countries up close. He further expressed hope that such exchanges would foster cultural understanding and promote the divine culture of the region globally.
The cultural parade saw performances of various traditional dances and acts by foreign artists donning their national costumes. Their energetic performances, along with spectacular stunts, captured the attention of the large crowd gathered at Seri stage and Indira Market. The event successfully brought together 20 cultural groups from across North India and Himachal Pradesh, each showcasing the rich heritage of their regions.
The festivities, vibrant and engaging, also served as a reminder of the role cultural diplomacy plays in bridging people across borders, promoting a spirit of unity, and celebrating diversity.
