Munish Sood
MANDI:
The historic town of Mandi has come alive with the launch of the five-day Mandav Utsav, a vibrant cultural and spiritual festival aimed at celebrating the area's rich heritage. Organized by the Mandi Municipal Corporation, this event will run until November 9, featuring a variety of devotional rituals, traditional performances, and folk music that will transform the town into a cultural hotspot.

Mayor Virendra Bhatt Sharma expressed that the festival pays homage to Rishi Mandavya, the sage after whom the town is named. He stated, “Mandi has served as the meditation ground for Mandavya Rishi. Through this Utsav, we aspire to honor our spiritual heritage and present Mandi's unique cultural identity to the younger generation.”

This year, the festivities are centered at Paddal Ground, situated near the historic Gurdwara. Civic leaders and representatives from religious institutions commenced the day with traditional prayers at Mandav Shila. Arrangements at Paddal have been made to enhance public participation and convenience.

The day kicked off with the Mandav Shila Puja at 9 am, followed by worship at the Madhav Rai and Baba Bhootnath temples. A grand Shobha Yatra then proceeded from Raj Madhav Rai Temple, traversing through Samkheter School, Baba Bhootnath Temple, Seri Manch, Mahamrityunjay Temple, and ITI Chowk, culminating at Paddal Ground. This procession highlighted the spiritual unity and traditional richness that characterize Mandi’s cultural landscape.

The opening day of the festival featured lively performances from school students, local artists, and the well-known Hum Himachali troupe. The evening's highlight will be a performance by the acclaimed Himachali folk singer Kuldeep Sharma, anticipated to attract a large audience.

The festival promises a rich array of performances over the next four days:
• November 6: Morning and evening sessions by school groups and local artists, followed by an evening performance by Devbrat Pandit.
• November 7: Cultural programs featuring Bhirathi artists and a main act by Mamta Bhardwaj.
• November 8: A performance by renowned folk singer Kaku Ram Thakur.
• November 9: The closing ceremony will showcase Gaurav Kaundal as the star performer.

Organizers emphasize that Mandav Utsav is more than just a festival; it is a reaffirmation of Mandi’s identity as a blend of faith, tradition, and art. The event seeks to connect the younger generation with their cultural roots while showcasing the vibrancy of Himachal’s folk culture to visitors. Over the next five days, Mandi is set to resonate with devotional chants, folk melodies, and colorful performances, transforming the town into a living canvas of Himachali tradition and enduring spirituality.