International Shivratri Festival Begins in Mandi with 216 Deities, Grand Processions Planned

February 14, 2026

Shimla: The seven-day International Shivratri Festival is set to begin in Mandi, popularly known as “Choti Kashi.” This year, 216 deities will participate in the grand celebrations.

The Dev Samagam (congregation of deities) will commence with the arrival of Kamrunag in Mandi. Even before the formal start, the town has been immersed in devotion and festive spirit.

Baba Bhootnath Temple Opens on Mahashivratri

More than two quintals of butter paste offered at the Baba Bhootnath Temple will be removed at midnight. The temple doors will open at 4 a.m. on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, allowing devotees to witness Baba Bhootnath in his original form after nearly a month.

Traditional wedding rituals of Lord Shiva are also being performed with devotion, including ceremonial adornment with turmeric and henna. The temple complex has been decorated with flowers, drawing large crowds of devotees.

Deputy CM to Inaugurate Festival for First Time

In a departure from tradition, this year the festival will be inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri instead of the Chief Minister. Traditionally, the Chief Minister inaugurates the festival while the Governor attends the closing ceremony.

Rituals at Madhav Rai Temple

The festival will formally begin with prayers by Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan at the ancient fire pit of the Madhav Rai Temple.

Following this, worship will be offered to Kamrunag at the Tarna Mata Temple, along with prayers for favorable weather during the celebrations.

A small procession will then proceed from the Raj Madhav Rai temple complex to the Baba Bhootnath Temple, marking the ritual commencement of the festival with havan and offerings.

Grand Procession on February 16

A major procession will be held on February 16, where Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri will formally inaugurate the historic festival. Thousands of devotees are expected to participate.

Two grand processions of Lord Shiva will be taken out during the festival — one beginning from Beas Ghat and culminating at Baba Bhootnath Temple, and another on February 20 with elaborate ceremonies.

Six cultural evenings have also been planned, with special emphasis on promoting local hill artists and preserving regional traditions.

Special Celebrations for Mandi’s 500th Year

As Mandi enters its 500th foundation year, special events have been planned. A grand Beas Aarti will be conducted twice during the festival, with five scholars from Varanasi invited to perform the rituals.

Tight Security Arrangements

Extensive security measures have been put in place for the festival. Around 750 police personnel will be deployed across the town. Additionally, 270 permanent and 46 temporary CCTV cameras have been installed to ensure the safety of devotees and smooth conduct of events.

With vibrant rituals, grand processions, and strong security arrangements, the International Shivratri Festival in Mandi promises a grand confluence of faith, culture, and tradition.