International Shivratri Fair in Mandi

Mandi Shivaratri Fair  is an international festival which held for 7 days starting with the Hindu festival of Shivaratri, in the Mandi town in Himachal Pradesh, India. The Mandi Shivaratri fair is held as per Hindu calendar every year on the Krishna paksha 13th day/13th night in the month of Phalguna that corresponds to February/March. Mandi town has the title of 'Varanasi of the Hills'  due to the fact that he large number of gods and goddesses that are invited to the festival.

The Mandi festival or fair is particularly famous as the special fair transforms Mandi town into a venue of grand celebration when all gods and goddesses, said to be more than 200 deities of the Mandi district assemble here, starting with the day of Shivaratri. Mandi town located on the banks of the Beas River, popularly known as the "Choti Kashi" and "cathedral of temples", is one of the oldest towns of Himachal Pradesh with about 81 temples of different gods(mainly of God Shiva) and goddesses in its periphery. There are several legends linked to the celebration of this event. The festival is centred around the protector deity of Mandi "Madho Rai" (Lord Vishnu) and Lord Shiva of the Bhootnath temple in Mandi

Kailash Kher in Mandi Shivratri

       The fair happens in Paddal Ground , Mandi whereas cultural programs performed during night at Seri manch near Indira Market . The cultural program is very famous as many popular singers and performers from Himachal Pradesh  , bollywood , foreign countries and rest of India performs in it.
               




Mandi town is accessible by road from Shimla, Chandigarh, Pathankot and Delhi. The nearest railway stations are Joginder Nagar and Shimla by narrow gauge train.






More information :  Wikipedia Link
                                 http://www.himachalpradeshtourism.org/
 
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Sarahan Visit

Bhima Kali Temple, Sarahan

Sarahan is a small town in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, India. Famous Bhimakali temple is situated here, dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali, deity of the rulers of the former Bushahr State. It is one of 51 Shakti Peethas in India. River Satluj flows about 7 km below Sarahan. Sarahan is identified with the Sonitpur mentioned in Puranas. Sarahan is called as the gateway to the tribal region of Kinnaur.

 



Virbhadra Singh Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ,India and former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh is from this small town.

Shanti Kunj , Palace of Raja Virbhadra, Sarahan

 Near town Sarahan , there is a Bird park which is a pheasant breeding centre. It also houses the State bird Jujurana and former state bird Monal which is of a great attraction. 

                                     Jujurana                                                                                Monal




Sarahan is about 29 kms off from Jhakri the establishment of biggest hydel project under S.J.V.N., and from Jeori it is about 17 kms.Sarahan is 564 kilometers from New Delhi and 174 kilometers from Shimla.

Kinnar Kailash as seen from Sarahan

The best way to go to Sarahan is to travel by train to Kalka or by air to Chandigarh and then travel by road to Sarahan. Taxis and jeeps can be hired to reach to Sarahan. Bus services are also available from Shimla. It takes approximately 6 hours by road to reach Sarahan from Shimla.




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