The famous shivratri  festival of Mandi would have several unique features as part of Golden Jubilee celebration of Himachal Pradesh’s  statehood this year.

The shivratri  festival, which had an abrupt closure last year in the wake of COVID pandemic would be celebrated this year with much fanfare to make the celebration grand as the state government is holding year long celebrations on Swarnim Himachal theme.

However, all precautionary measures are being taken by the organizing committee with an appeal to observe standard operating procedure and guidelines to check the pandemic.

The festival would be held this year from March 12 to 18 and begin with traditional jaleb (procession) and would be formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur; the state governor Bandaru Dattatreya would be the chief guest in the closing ceremony on March 18.

To make the festival special this year chairman of the festival committee Rugved Thakur has appealed local people to come in their traditional dresses to participate in the jaleb to make the event colorful and display local diversity.  As the district administration has also taken up awareness campaign to save the girl child a tableau on the theme Beti Bachao Beti Padhao would also be included.

As many as 216 deities have been invited to participate in the festival. Local artists and playback singers would perform in the evening cultural programme, besides  sports event etc. The theme of exhibitions would also be swarnim Himachal.  The History and traditions of Mandi would also be highlighted. A selfie spot I Love Mandi would also be created.

Giving information about the arrangements for the festival DC Mandi Rugved Thakur said, “All arrangements have been made and I appeal people attending the festival to wear masks”.

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