International Mahashivratri Festival Mandi–2026 begins with grand ‘jaleb’, 200 deities arrive

Mandi: Amid religious fervour and vibrant traditions, the seven-day International Mahashivratri Festival Mandi–2026 commenced on Monday with the first traditional Jaleb procession of Shri Raj Madhav Rai and the hoisting of the ceremonial flag at the historic Paddal Ground. Deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri graced the occasion as chief guest, released a special logo marking 500 years of Mandi town. He also inaugurated exhibitions set up by various departments, and released the fair committee's souvenir.Agnihotri also participated in the traditional first Jaleb of Shri Raj Madhav Rai, the presiding deity of Mandi district. Earlier, he offered prayers at the Madhav Rai Temple. Thousands of devotees, dressed in traditional attire, joined the grand procession from the temple to Paddal Ground, dancing along with their local deities. This year, more than 200 deities already arrived in Mandi to participate in the festival.Following tradition, the deputy chief minister also took part in the pagri (turban) ceremony and extended his greetings to the people of the state and the district during the inaugural function at Paddal. He said that Mandi's 500-year history reflects its rich heritage and that the International Mahashivratri Festival is not merely a celebration but a symbol of divine culture, folk faith, and collective identity.He said former chief minister Virbhadra Singh's efforts to secure international recognition for the Mandi Shivratri and Kullu Dussehra fairs elevated their global stature, making them a cultural identity of Himachal today. He added that foreign artists now participate in the festivals, and the people of Mandi have preserved this tradition of divine congregation for centuries.On the occasion, he said the discontinuation of revenue deficit grant (RDG) and GST compensation is not appropriate and is against the federal structure. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and restore Himachal's rightful dues, assuring that salaries, pensions, or the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) would not be stopped and that development works would continue.Earlier, deputy commissioner and chairperson of the Fair Organising Committee, Apoorv Devgan, welcomed everyone and informed that for the first time this year, special pagoda-style Dev Sthals (sacred spaces) were prepared for the deities to better reflect the dignity of the divine tradition. He also detailed other programmes being organised during the Mahashivratri Festival. MSID:: 128426634 413 |