Mandi's Maha Shivratri Celebrations Kick Off with 200 Deities
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Synopsis
Mandi's Maha Shivratri Mahotsav kicked off with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu inaugurating the festivities alongside over 200 deities. This historical celebration blends cultural performances with religious rituals, highlighting the town's rich heritage and commitment to community welfare through various initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- Mandi's Maha Shivratri is celebrated with over 200 deities.
- Chief Minister Sukhu announced Rs 100 crore for the Shiv Dham project.
- Age-old traditions like Shahi Jaleb and Pagri ceremonies are observed.
- Investment in healthcare and education is prioritized.
- The event boasts a rich blend of culture and spirituality.
Mandi, Feb 27 (NationPress) The week-long International Shivratri Mahotsav began on Thursday with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu officially launching the festivities in this historical town of Himachal Pradesh, affectionately referred to as ‘Chhoti Kashi’, amid a gathering of over 200 hill gods and goddesses.
The fair features a rich mix of religious rituals, cultural showcases, and traditional celebrations, attracting both visitors and devotees.
Mandi's Maha Shivratri, a festival with roots tracing back to 1526, commences a day later than similar celebrations across the rest of the country. The inception of the festivities coincided with the founding of the town during the reign of Ajbar Sen, who had invited local deities to honor the establishment of the new settlement.
Before participating in the traditional ‘Shahi Jaleb’ Shobha Yatra amid light rain, the Chief Minister offered prayers at the historic Raj Madhav Rai temple, the region's principal deity.
The grand procession, which started at the temple and ended at Paddal Ground, witnessed thousands of devotees adorned in traditional clothing, accompanied by their local deities, dancing along the route.
With over 200 deities from various regions attending, the event's spiritual significance was heightened.
In keeping with age-old customs, the Chief Minister participated in the Pagri ceremony and performed puja at the Raj Madhav Rai temple. Following this, he inaugurated an exhibition at Paddal Ground, organized by different government departments, boards, and corporations.
Mandi, situated along the Chandigarh-Manali national highway, boasts more than 80 temples showcasing typical hill architecture. Notable temples include those dedicated to Bhutnath, Triloki Nath, Jagannath, Tarna Devi, and Jalpa Devi. The rulers of Mandi have been devoted followers of Lord Shiva.
Wishing everyone well for the Shivratri Mahotsav, the Chief Minister remarked that after a prolonged dry period, the region has begun to receive rainfall, attributing this to Lord Shiva responding to farmers' prayers. He announced a funding of Rs 100 crore for the completion of the Mandi Shiv Dham project, promising its completion within two years.
Furthermore, he declared a five percent increase in offerings (nazrana) to the deities. The Chief Minister mentioned that this year, the government plans to implement transformative decisions for the state's advancement, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.
He stated that Rs 1,800 crore would be invested in modernizing medical colleges and healthcare facilities to provide quality services within the state.
Additionally, the government is establishing Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools to offer teachers and essential resources for students in rural communities.
In another reform initiative, a unified Directorate of School Education is being created. The government's aim, he confirmed, is to reach every individual in need, and it is making swift progress in this direction.
