Mandi Maha Shivratri

The Shivratri fair Mandi was started by Raja Ajber Sen, 300-400 years ago at Purani Mandi. Suraj Sen had 18 sons, al of whome died in his lifetime. Suraj Sen got a silver image crafted and named it Madho Rao to which he considered to be the King of the State of Mandi thereafter and all the rulers had to serve the state as servants of Madho Rao and caretakers of the State. The illustrious Madho Rao made by the golsmith Bhima, in the year 1705, o Thursday, the 15th Phagan. This date corresponds to A.D. 1648.

King of Kangra, Sansar Chand invaded Mandi state in 1792 taking its ruler Ishwari Sen prisoner for twelve years who was got released by Gurkha invaders who attacked Kangra and Mandi states. Gurkha invaders returned Mandi state to Ishwari Sen who received a warm reception when he returned to his headquarters. King invited all hill deities and organised a grand function on his return and the occasion happened to be Shivratri festival. It is believed that thereafter the practice of organising such function during Shivratri continued year after year and is still in force.

In the Shivratri fair, the village gods are carried into Mandi to do homage to Madho Rao and the Raja. The fairs for seven days; but is is general rule that each god on arrival shall pay his respects to Madho Rao before he proceeds to the palace to salaam the ruler. On the second day of the fair, a parade of gods is held in Padal. the large open plain in the angle between the Beas and Suketi.

Source : http://hpmandi.gov.in/fairs.htm#Shivratri

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