The fairs and festivals in Himachal Pradesh India are a fine reflection of the culture and traditions of the people of the state. In fact, there are so many of them to speak of that the list are quite a long one. And among the most important fairs and festivals in Himachal Pradesh is the Shivratri Fair, held between the months of February and March every year. The Shivratri Fair is being celebrated since founding of Mandi town in 1526 during the rule of Ajber Sen.
Shivratri Fair is common in the whole of India on the Krishna Chaturdashi or the fourteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Phalguna (February-March). In Himachal Pradesh Shivratri takes the form of a gala affair encompassing people from all levels of society. The festival commemorates the marriage of Lord Shiva with ritual gaiety at the famous Baijnath shrine.
Every year the beautiful town of Mandi plays host to a week long Shivratri Fair that is best described as a saga full of colors, joy and gaiety.
Over 200 hill Gods and Goddesses are likely to converge on the ancient town of temples on the eve of eight-day International Shivratri Fair being held here from March 6th to 13th this Year
Shivratri is celebrated all over the country, but it has assumed special significance for Mandi, once the capital town of a princely state. A Shoba Yatra marks the beginning of the fair, in which the images of gods and goddess are carried in palanquins. The Shoba Yatra terminates at Padal ground, the venue of the fairs. The devotees first visit the Raj Madhav temple, which is the shrine of the main god of the area, and then visit Bhootnath temple to worship Lord Shiva, during the fair.
The Shivratri exhibition at Paddal is a major center of attraction. Sports events organized during the fairs also draw large crowds. Artists of national and international repute regale the audience during the evening cultural performances. The festival ends after performing Jagran, the nightlong puja. Predictions of the events of the coming year are made by astrologers during the occasion.
Even though merriment becomes the order of the day during the Shivratri Fair in Mandi, the religious fervor that is a part of all the proceedings cannot be missed. No wonder, the Shivratri Fair adds up as one of the most attractive among the fairs in Himachal Pradesh India. Do remember to be a part of the event if you happen to be in Himachal Pradesh at that time
