The seven-day International Shivratri Festival of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh begins and will continue till 21 February 2026. The festival is one of the best-known religious and cultural events of the state. It combines local deity traditions, folk performances, and international cultural participation. The opening ceremony includes worship and the first Jaleb procession at the Shri Raj Madhav Rai Temple.
Festival Inauguration
The festival will be formally inaugurated by the Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. The first Jaleb ceremony is a key ritual of the event. It marks the beginning of the week-long celebrations. Local deities, their Gurus, folk artists, and thousands of devotees take part in the procession.
Participation of Local Deities
This year, the administration has invited more than 216 palanquins of local deities. These deities will remain in Mandi throughout the festival week. The event reflects the strong Dev culture of the Mandi region, where temple traditions and community faith play a central role in public life.
International Cultural Parade
The major attraction of the festival will be the International Cultural Parade on 20 February. Cultural troupes from France, the United States, Nigeria, Tanzania, Tajikistan, and Sri Lanka will participate. Artists from North India, Himachal Pradesh, and Mandi district will also perform during the cultural evenings. The festival promotes cultural exchange along with local heritage.
Significance of the Festival
The International Shivratri Festival presents a blend of religious observance, folk tradition, and global cultural interaction. It is also an important tourism event for Himachal Pradesh. The administration has appealed to people to attend the celebrations in traditional attire and participate actively in the events.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026