Mahashivratri Fair in Himachal From Feb. 21-27; Over 200 Deities to Gather

Over 200 gods and goddesses from hundreds of village temples across Himachal Pradesh will congregate in Mandi, popularly known as Chhoti Kashi, during the centuries-old Mahashivratri Fair.

The week-long Mahashivratri fair, one of the biggest traditional and religious festivals of India, begins in Mandi from Feb. 21-27, 2012. During the festival, transactions worth millions of rupees, cultural events and rural sports take place.

The celebration of the festival dates back to 1526 when the town was founded during the rule of Ajbar Sen. He had invited all the local deities to celebrate the founding of the new town. Since then, the assembly of deities during Mahashivratri has become an annual tradition.

"Over 215 gods and goddesses will participate in the week-long Mahashivratri festival," Deputy Commissioner Amandeep Garg, who is also chief organizer of the fair, said. He said special arrangements have been made by the administration during the stay of the gods and goddesses at the Paddal ground in the town.

Mandi, located on the Chandigarh-Manali national highway, is dotted with more than 80 temples. The prominent ones among them are those of Bhutnath, Triloki Nath, Jagannath, Tarna Devi and Jalpa Devi.