The Mandi Shivratri festival would be held from March 2nd to 8 and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur would be the chief guest on the opening day of the festival.
Giving this information at Mandi on Saturday DC Mandi Arindam Chaudhary said , “ The deity culture, rich traditions would get prominence during the festival while the CM would participate in the first jaleb ( religious procession ) on march 2nd , Governor Rajender Nath Arlekar would be the chief guest in the closing ceremony on Mach 8 .”
As many as 216 deities have been invited to attend the festival and arrangements have been made for the stay of people accompanying them.
Chaudhary said, “Several activities attached with the traditions of Shivratri festival like evening cultural programmes, sports competitions etc would also be held, besides a special exhibition of old photos reviving the past of the festival would be an added attraction this year.”
He said, “ Due importance to local and Himachali artists would be given in the cultural programmes and a special cultural evening would be organized at Seri Munch on March 8 dedicated to our martyrs, their families would be sent a special invitation for the same. “
“Social awareness campaigns like beti bachao bet padhao, poshan abhiyan, no to drugs campaign would also be highlighted during the festival. While participation of people from every section would be ensured a special emphasis would be laid on the participation of special children and orphans in the festival” the DC added.
