International Shivratri Fair, Mandi
Renowned international fair, held for 7 days in the town of Mandi also known as “Varanasi of the hills”. Shivaratri is great festival of convergence of Shiva and Shakti.
Around 200 mobile statues of gods and goddesses are carried on ornate palanquins by devotees from distant villages, sometimes travelling for two-three days on foot. These processions are accompanied with the playing of shehnai (Indian oboe), karnal (long wind instrument), thonkru (a large trumpet) and drums. As they pass through neighbourhoods, people rush to windows and rooftops to witness the dancing palanquins draped in red and orange cloth called chadar.
Where : Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
Upcoming Dates : February 4 – 11 , 2021
