Mandi Shivratri Festival 2026: Preparations Underway for a Grand Celebration
Preparations for the Mandi Shivratri Festival
Munish Sood
MANDI
The district administration is actively preparing for the International Mandi Shivratri Festival-2026, set to take place from February 16 to 22. Efforts are being intensified to ensure that the celebrations of this renowned religious and cultural event are both dignified and well-organized.
A comprehensive review meeting was convened, led by the Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the International Shivratri Fair Committee. During this meeting, all departments were urged to collaborate closely to maintain the festival's spiritual significance and cultural richness.
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted that the Mandi Shivratri Festival represents a unique blend of devotion, ancient customs, and the region's rich cultural heritage, attracting revered deities and devotees from all over the country. He stressed the importance of collective cooperation among all departments, committees, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth and memorable celebration.
Focus on Deity Arrangements
To facilitate the timely invitation, respectful reception, and proper accommodation of all participating deities, a sub-committee has been established under the leadership of the Additional District Magistrate. All traditional protocols and customs will be strictly adhered to throughout the festival.
Additionally, plans are underway to create a permanent, aesthetically pleasing seating area for deities at the Paddal Fair Ground. This enhancement aims to improve the devotional experience for pilgrims and ensure better Dev Darshan during the traditional Dev Parikrama. The cooperation of the Sarv Devta Committee and other stakeholders is being sought to uphold established Dev Kram and sacred traditions.
Instructions have been issued to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and relevant agencies to ensure appropriate arrangements on under-construction road segments, particularly on routes from Padhar and Tungal Valley, to facilitate the smooth transit of deities and devotees.
Cultural Evenings and Global Outreach
The festival will feature thematic cultural evenings that showcase the diverse cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh. Efforts are being made to enhance the festival's global presence through an International Cultural Parade. Preparations for popular events like ‘Voice of Shivratri’ are also being prioritized.
Under the auspices of the Language and Culture Department, an Art and Literature Festival will be organized, featuring classical dance and music performances, bhajan evenings, theatre presentations, poetry recitals, and traditional Bajantri musical competitions.
The Shivratri Festival presents a unique opportunity for both domestic and international tourists to immerse themselves in Mandi’s distinctive dev culture and age-old traditions. The Tourism Department has been tasked with developing a focused strategy to attract a larger number of visitors during the festival.
Art Festival and City Beautification
This year, alongside departmental exhibitions highlighting state government welfare schemes and achievements, a special Mandi Art Festival will be held. This festival will showcase traditional crafts such as Mandi Silk and Mandi Kalam, along with other local handicrafts and artistic expressions.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, major temples, prominent buildings, and key locations throughout Mandi city will be adorned with decorative lighting. Departments have been instructed to finalize all preparations within the designated timelines.
The timely publication of the Shivratri Souvenir will also be ensured, featuring various themes, including Mandi city’s milestone of entering its 500th year of establishment.
Ensuring Cleanliness and Safety
The stall allotment process at Paddal Fair Ground will be completed promptly. Coordinated arrangements for food safety, fire services, sanitation, and cleanliness will be implemented across the fairground and the city.
Installation of dustbins at every stall will be mandatory, with penalties for non-compliance. The Municipal Corporation has been directed to deploy sufficient sanitation staff and additional dustbins at strategic locations.
The meeting also reviewed preparations related to security, financial planning, sports events, traffic management, power and water supply, road maintenance, transport services, health facilities, and city beautification.
The Additional District Magistrate conducted the meeting, which was attended by senior district officials, police officers, representatives of the Sarv Devta Committee, and officers from all relevant departments.