Grand Beas Maha Aarti Illuminates Mandi During International Shivratri Festival 2026.
Shimla:
In a spiritually charged atmosphere filled with Vedic chants and the glow of countless lamps, thousands of devotees gathered along the banks of the Beas River near the historic Panchvaktra Mahadev Temple to witness the grand Beas Maha Aarti, a major highlight of the International Shivratri Festival 2026.
The sacred ceremony, organised as part of Mandi’s globally renowned Shivratri celebrations, drew an overwhelming turnout of residents, pilgrims, and visitors from across the region. The riverbank transformed into a vibrant spiritual arena as devotees participated in the Maha Aarti, offering prayers amid devotional hymns and rhythmic chants.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and joined the rituals by offering prayers to the Beas River. Praying for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of the state, he remarked that the Beas Maha Aarti has commenced this year with renewed zeal and devotion. He expressed confidence that the ceremony would soon evolve into a distinctive cultural and spiritual identity of Mandi and become a cherished tradition of the Shivratri festivities.
The Deputy Chief Minister congratulated Shivratri Mahotsav Committee President and MLA Chander Shekhar, along with the district administration, for the successful organisation of the grand spiritual event.
Adding to the sanctity of the occasion, five learned priests from Varanasi conducted the rituals with traditional Vedic chants, lending authenticity and spiritual depth to the ceremony. The synchronized rituals, accompanied by the collective devotion of thousands, created an atmosphere of profound reverence along the riverbank.
This year’s celebrations hold added historical significance as Mandi steps into the 500th year of its establishment. To commemorate the milestone, a spectacular laser show portraying the town’s rich history and vibrant cultural heritage enthralled the audience, blending tradition with modern presentation.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from various social organisations and local residents, reflecting strong community involvement in preserving and promoting the region’s cultural legacy.
Several prominent dignitaries were present on the occasion, including MLA and former minister Anil Sharma, former ministers Kaul Singh Thakur and Prakash Chaudhary, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sohan Lal Thakur, Vice Chairman of the Water Management Board Shashi Sharma, APMC Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, District Congress Committee President Champa Thakur, former candidate Naresh Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, and Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar, among others.
The Beas Maha Aarti concluded on a deeply devotional note, with the riverbank shimmering under the light of earthen lamps and echoing with sacred chants — a powerful symbol of faith, unity, and Mandi’s enduring cultural spirit.
