Mandi hosts first Mandavya Utsav
Mandi city celebrated its inaugural Mandavya Utsav yesterday, organised by the Mandi Municipal Corporation to honour the legacy of Sage Mandavya. The event commenced at 10 am with a ceremonial worship of deity Madho Rai, led by Mayor Virender Bhatt and municipal councillors.
A grand procession, starting from Government Senior Secondary School (Girls), passed through landmarks like Baba Bhutnath Temple and concluded at Mandavya Sheela near Paddal Gurudwara. Devotees performed prayers and a yajna at Mandavya Sheela, the event’s focal point. Local organisations, schools and citizens actively participated, making the procession a vibrant cultural display.
An exhibition by Birbal Sharma, founder of Himachal Art Gallery, showcased Mandi’s rich heritage. The Dharm Sangh conducted prayers and the Yajna at Mandavya Sheela, while the Paddal Gurudwara Management Committee provided refreshments for attendees.
Cultural performances by groups like Mandavya Kala Manch, Nritya Tapas Academy and students from local schools, including DAV School and Saraswati Vidya Mandir, added to the festivities. Social worker Mukund Boti was honored for promoting “Sepubadi”, a traditional Mandi dish.
Dignitaries, including MLA Anil Sharma, municipal councillors and senior citizens graced the event. Mayor Virender Bhatt expressed gratitude to participants and urged continued community involvement in future initiatives. Coordinators Kuldeep Mahajan and Gaurav Sharma ensured the event’s success. The Mandavya Utsav concluded with a message of unity, cultural pride, and community spirit.
