INTERNATIONAL MAHA SHIVRATRI FESTIVAL IN MANDI

1. International Maha Shivratri Festival is organized in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. International Maha Shivratri Festival is organized in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Mandi’s Shivratri Mela​ is a Fascinating example of India’s Multi-deity Culture and Devbhumi Himachal​ itself is the land of gods. Since the Mandi is home to 81 temples of ​Lord Shiva​, Mandi sees a footfall of more than 1000+ devotees on the day of Shivratri. The festival is also known as the International Mandi Shivratri festival. During the festival, a colorful procession called Shobha Yatra is organized as per which various deities are carried in their chariots to Mandi to pay homage to Madho Rai and the Raja. As per the old ritual, it is mandatory that every deity who visits Mandi should visit Madho Rai temple first in order to pay respect to Lord Vishnu and then honor the ruler. Consequently, the deity pays obeisance to ​Lord Shiva​ at Bhootnath temple

2. where the main festival is organized. The entire procession is swayed by drums and folk music to indicate happiness. Shivratri​ is the time when local businessman indulges in trading activities of products like walnut, ghee (butter oil), honey opium and general merchandise. On the second day, Jagaran is also organized. On this occasion, a guru and his disciple make prophecies for the following year. On the last day, prayers are chanted and ‘chadars’ are offered in the temple. Mandi Shivratri also plays a major role in increasing tourism prospects for Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Most of the tourists plan to visit Mandi and Kullu – Manali simultaneously during this festival to get the blessings of Lord Shiva and to enjoy the beauty of Himalayas. As Manali is near Mandi, you can plan a week trip in which you can visit Kullu Manali sightseeing places including the ​International Shivratri Festival​ and your stay at ‘​The Orchard Greens Resort Manali​’ makes your trip memorable.