Seven-Day International Maha Shivratri Festival 2026 Begins in Mandi with Grand Procession.
Shimla:
The world-renowned seven-day International Maha Shivratri Festival 2026 commenced with great religious fervor and traditional splendor in Mandi on Monday. The formal inauguration took place with the ceremonial first Jaleb led by the presiding deity Shri Raj Madhav Rai and the hoisting of the sacred flag at the historic Paddal Ground, marking the beginning of the grand celebrations.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. On this significant occasion, he released a specially designed commemorative logo celebrating 500 years of Mandi town. He also inaugurated exhibitions put up by various government departments and unveiled the official souvenir published by the Mela Organising Committee.
Earlier in the day, the Deputy Chief Minister offered prayers at the temple of Shri Raj Madhav Rai, seeking blessings for the prosperity and well-being of the state. He later joined the traditional first Jaleb procession, a highlight of the festival. The grand procession, which moved from the temple to Paddal Ground, witnessed the participation of thousands of devotees dressed in colorful traditional attire. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments, devotees danced and escorted their respective local deities in a magnificent display of devotion and cultural heritage. This year, more than 200 deities from different parts of the region have already arrived in Mandi to participate in the week-long festivities.
Following age-old traditions, the Deputy Chief Minister also participated in the customary Pagri ceremony during the inaugural function at Paddal. Addressing the gathering, he extended his greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh and especially to the residents of Mandi district. He described the 500-year history of Mandi as a testimony to its glorious and rich cultural heritage. He emphasized that the International Maha Shivratri Festival is not merely a religious celebration but a living symbol of the region’s dev culture, deep-rooted faith, and collective identity.
In his address, he also recalled the contribution of the late former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh in securing international recognition for both the Mandi Shivratri Festival and the Kullu Dussehra festival. He said that these festivals have today become integral to Himachal Pradesh’s cultural identity and attract participation from foreign artists as well. The tradition of the grand congregation of deities, he noted, has been preserved and nurtured by the people of Mandi for centuries.
Touching upon current financial matters, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant and GST compensation is not appropriate and goes against the spirit of the federal structure. He urged the Prime Minister to intervene and ensure that Himachal Pradesh receives its rightful financial support. He reassured government employees and pensioners that salaries, pensions, and benefits under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) would continue without interruption and that development projects in the state would not be affected.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner of Mandi and Chairman of the Mela Organising Committee, Apoorv Devgan, welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries. He informed that, for the first time, specially designed pagoda-style ‘Dev Sthals’ have been set up to accommodate visiting deities, enhancing the dignity and visual appeal of the sacred traditions. He also outlined the schedule of religious ceremonies, cultural programs, exhibitions, and other events planned during the seven-day festival.
A large number of prominent leaders and dignitaries were present at the inaugural ceremony, including MLA and President of the Maha Shivratri Festival General Assembly Chandrashekhar; former ministers Thakur Kaul Singh, Rangila Ram Rao, and Prakash Chaudhary, former CPS Sohan Lal Thakur, APMC chairman Sanjeev Guleria, Congress leader from Seraj Jagdish Reddy and other.
