Mandavya Utsav 2025 Begins in Chhoti Kashi Mandi with Grand Procession and Traditional Rituals at Madhorai Temple.
Shimla:
The second edition of Mandavya Utsav—a grand cultural celebration of Chhoti Kashi Mandi, known as the cultural capital of Himachal Pradesh—commenced with great devotion and splendor at the historic Madhorai Temple. The festival began with traditional worship and rituals at the temples of the town’s presiding deities, Rajdevta Madhorai and Baba Bhootnath, followed by a havan near the ancient Mandav Shila and a magnificent procession from the Deputy Commissioner’s temple complex to the Chhota Paddal Ground.
Organized by the Mandi Municipal Corporation, this five-day festival was inaugurated by Mayor Virendra Bhatt Sharma, who performed puja at both the Madhorai and Baba Bhootnath temples. The Dharmasangh Bhootnath Mandir Mandi also conducted rituals at the sacred Mandav Shila, accompanied by a yajna for world peace and public welfare.
Among the dignitaries present were Mayor Virendra Bhatt Sharma, Councillors and others. After the ceremonies, prasad was distributed to devotees at the Paddal ground.
The grand shobha yatra (procession) proceeded from the Deputy Commissioner’s complex through Chauhata Bazaar, Samkheter Bazaar, Balak Rurupi, and Bhootnath Bazaar, culminating at the historic Seri Manch. There, various cultural troupes, school students, and the police band showcased their talents through traditional performances and folk displays.
Municipal Commissioner Rohit Rathour informed that a jury panel had been formed to evaluate the cultural tableaux. The judging panel comprised District Language Officer Revati Saini, folk singer Krishna Thakur, and Mandi’s APRO Vinod Verma.
According to the results, Indus Global School Mandi secured the first position for its tableau, while PM Shri Government Girls Senior Secondary School Mandi and Saraswati Vidya Mandir Mandi won the second and third places, respectively.
Commissioner Rathour emphasized that the goal of Mandavya Utsav is to highlight Mandi’s traditional culture, heritage, and folk life at not only the state but also the national level. He added that the Chhota Paddal ground will host a series of cultural evenings, the first of which featured performances by the renowned Nati King Kuldeep Sharma.
He further acknowledged the contribution of local organizations, artists, and scholars dedicated to preserving Mandi’s rich cultural heritage, whose cooperation has been instrumental in making the Mandavya Utsav 2025 a grand success.
