INTERNATIONAL MAHA SHIVRATRI FESTIVAL IN MANDI

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International Maha Shivratri Festival is
organized in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
International Maha Shivratri Festival is
organized in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Mandis
Shivratri Mela is a Fascinating example of
Indias 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
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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.