Grand Celebrations Mark Hindu New Year at Seri Manch, Mandi.
Shimla:
The historic Seri Manch in Mandi witnessed a spectacular celebration of the Hindu New Year on Sunday, bringing together the local community in a vibrant display of devotion and culture. The event, organized by the Dharm Sangh Shri Bhootnath Temple, was a grand occasion, marked by colorful decorations, religious rituals, and cultural performances.
The celebrations began promptly at 9 AM with the installation of Lord Ganesha, followed by the commencement of the Havan Yajna. A large turnout of Mandi residents, along with prominent personalities from various walks of life, participated in the religious proceedings. This included local leaders, members of community organizations, and several other dignitaries, all of whom joined in the sacred rituals, contributing to the atmosphere of unity and devotion.
The venue was meticulously decorated in shades of white and saffron, creating a vibrant and festive setting. The cultural performances were a major highlight of the day. Children from local schools, including Takshshila, DAV Arya Samaj, and Saraswati Vidya Mandir, showcased their talents with traditional dances, dramas, and recitations that captivated the audience. A unique and special Gita recital, performed by women from the Khatri Sabha in the local Mandayali dialect, added a distinct local flavor to the celebrations.
A significant moment during the event was the recognition of students who recently brought home medals from Italy. The community celebrated these young achievers with special honors, acknowledging their hard work and success on the international stage.
The religious ceremony and cultural festivities were overseen by Dr. Om Sharma, advisor to the Dharm Sangh. Senior Vice President Harish Vaidya led the Havan Yajna, ensuring the smooth progression of the sacred rituals. The event was coordinated by Neeraj Handa, who played an instrumental role in organizing the celebrations.
The grand finale of the event saw the distribution of Halwa Prasad to all the attendees, marking the conclusion of a day filled with devotion, cultural pride, and community spirit.
This year’s Hindu New Year celebration at Seri Manch not only reflected the spiritual fervor of Mandi’s residents but also their strong sense of unity, as they came together to mark the beginning of the new year with gratitude and joy.
