Dev Kamrunag arrives in Chhoti Kashi Mandi, International Shivratri festival kicks off
Welcome to Dev Kamrunag
Mandi, February 25, 2025
The official celebrations of the grand International Shivratri Festival began today with the arrival of the revered deity of Mandi district, Dev Kamrunag in Chhoti Kashi Mandi. It also marks the beginning of one of the world’s largest religious festivals, which is observed with tremendous zeal and piety in the region. Later on Tuesday afternoon, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mandi, Apoorv Devgan, welcomed Dev Kamrunag, the deity who plays a prominent role during the Shivratri fair, after performing a ceremonial worship outside the Raj Madhav Rai temple.
The descent of Dev Kamrunag is not ritualistic but is the beginning of the much awaited Shivratri Mahotsav, which is being observed from a long period in Mandi. As a part of the traditional customs, the deity’s symbolic stick, which remains an important ritual item, was then taken to be given to the palace. Respected in full by the leader of the royal family, who raised the customary practices of Dev Kamrunag there. On the next day the stick was taken to the Tarana Mata temple, as Dev Kamrunag will stay there for the next eight days. Thronging of devotees: During this period, thousands of devotees from across the region will gather at the temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the revered deity.
Dev Kamrunag: The Deity that Adds to Mandi’s Shivratri Celebrations
The Marhoom Kamrunag is an entity of both religious and titanic stature to the citizens of Mandi and beyond, and the arrival of Dev Kamrunag is a mass celebration for a handful of citizens, making Mandi a pivotal point of worship. The festival of Shivratri has been taking place in this area since ancient times, and it is believed that the festival begins with the arrival of Dev Kamrunag. This is the formal beginning of the celebrations that stretch over days, attracting pilgrims from across the region.
Dev Kamrunag reportedly visited Mandi to attend the Shivratri festival based on local folklore. This arrival for the people means the soulful significance of the festival. Dev Kamrunag’s visit to Mandi is an integral ceremonial aspect of the Shivratri festivities; the return of the deity is regarded as a divine blessing for the smooth success of the Mela.
DC Mandi, Apoorv Devgan, also expressed his joy about the commencement of the festival, “With Dev Kamrunag reaching here, the Shivratri Mahotsav has begin. “I want the festival to be successful and smoothly carried out and on behalf of the region I want the blessings of the deity for prosperity and peace.”
The DC further acknowledged that it is the age-old traditions and customs that have been preserved through generations which will continue to embody this event and make it one of its kind as Shivratri Mahotsav in Mandi.
Time-Honored Tradition with Present-Day Meaning
In Mandi, Shivratri is not confined to just rituals and customary practices but is regarded as a prime tourism event with thousands of visitors coming to the hill state every year. This festival is a pilgrim spot for the devotees and experience for the tourists to enjoy the drone of different traditions in the region. They were welcomed by 216 registered deities, including Dev Kamrunag, which shows rich religious cultural heritage bearing strong influence in Mandi juxtaposed with the currant-passred winter season.
Speaking on the festival logistics, president of Sarv Devta Samiti, Shivpal Sharma said that the participation of the registered deities attending the event is significant. “This Shivratri Mahotsav, 216 deities have been invited, like every year,” he said. Most of the deities will however reach Mandi tomorrow, on the occasion of Shivratri. “We pray that the weather remains bright and clear during the festival, and we will seek the blessings of Dev Kamrunag and other deities to ensure that the festivity goes as planned.”
Preparations Grow for the Grand Processions of Shivratri
On Shivratri, a smaller procession shall be taken out at Mandi at 10 a.m. The procession will start from Raj Madhav Rai temple and pass through various routes to Baba Bhootnath temple where DC Mandi will perform traditional worship rituals. This smaller procession is an important part of the day’s festivities, paving the way for the grander processions that will follow in the coming days.
The DC Mandi will later visit several temples in the city to offer prayers and attend festivities throughout the day. This will set the stage for celebrators on a grander scale that will take place in the following days.
The upcoming days will witness the grand formal inauguration of the seven-day International Shivratri Festival to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister (CM) of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, February 27. This is the formal commencement of the extensive celebrations, which will seek to draw a greater crowd in Mandi. On Thursday afternoon the grand procession will arrive at Paddal Ground for the main festivities. Beautifully decorated chariots, dancers, musicians, and devotees will be a part of the procession and the celebrations marking this auspicious occasion.
A Show of Oneness, Faith, and Cultural Importance
Besides performing religious worship, the International Shivratri Festival in Mandi is also a celebration of the region’s rich cultural heritage. All comrades in solidarity, the festival is a gathering of old and new familiar faces, the ‘trams’ among locals and tourists alike. Shivratri being the only festival of the region as well as the ruling loss of Mandi, it is the rituals and customs of the event that keep Mandi and the people of Mandi spiritually connected with their culture.
One way is taking place this weekend with the nation celebrating Eid al Adha, of course alongside the local economy, enjoying the influx of tourists eager to experience the cultural and religious revelry. The event highlights the region’s tourism potential and the increased demand for services and products during this time means local businesses, hotels and artisans gain from this.
With Shivratri Mahotsav underway, the people of Mandi eagerly look forward to a festival blessed with divine presence of their beloved gods, to unwind and celebrate in peace. Dev Kamrunag’s arrival has ushered in a week of devotion, processions, cultural performances and celebrations, making this year no different.
Dev Kamrunag has arrived Chhoti Kashi Mandi, 7th day of our truth, spirituality, culture and social values. International Shivratri Festival would take place with active support of local authorities, religious organizations and people of devoted religion Mandi.
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