Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of the god Shiva. The name also refers to the night when Shiva performs the heavenly dance called Tandava. In every month of the luni-solar Hindu calendar, there is a Shivaratri – "night of Shiva" – on the day before new moon. It is celebrated very enthusiastically everywhere in the country. But here I'm gonna tell about the international Shivratri fair of Mandi. Mandi Shivaratri Fair is an annual renowned international fair that is held for 7 days starting with the Hindu festival of Shivaratri, in the Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh. The festival’s popularity is widespread and hence is known as an international festival. In view of the large number of gods and goddesses that are invited to the festival from its temples, Mandi town has the title of "Chhoti Kashi". During the festival the main attractions is the deities coming from all parts of the district. Cultural nights, dance, music games etc. in the day time and evening makes the place mesmerizing.
The fair is held at Paddal ground, where shops, exhibitions, games and local traders participate in the fair. The festival starts with offerings and prayers at Bhootnath temple. Mandi, popularly known as “Chotti Kashi” due to its similarity with 'Varanasi' in respect of Ghats on the bank of Beas River and temples of Lord Shiva. Mandi, the abode of Baba Bhoot Nath, was known as Mandavya Nagari as Mandav Rishi mediated on a rock, known as Kolsara, in the Beas river. The famous International Shivratri Fair is celebrated every year during months of February/March. Deities from different corners of the District throng this town during the fair. Carried by devotees in colourful palanquins, the congregation of Devta’s is a religious fervour worth witnessing.
The festival starts with offerings and prayers at Bhootnath temple. A procession with men wearing colourful caps with geometric print during the festivities is a grand spectacle. The Mandi Shivratri has been accorded an International Festival status. The statue of Lord Shiva has been decorated with butter in which all of his avtaar are shown.
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