Mandi, February 14:
The revered deity Kamrunag Temple’s presiding god, Bada Dev Kamrunag, arrived in Mandi on Saturday to participate in the upcoming International Shivratri Festival–2026, formally marking the commencement of the traditional religious rituals associated with the week-long celebration.
Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the Shivratri Festival Committee, Apoorv Devgan, welcomed the deity with full ceremonial honors at the historic Raj Madhav Rai Temple. Special prayers were performed on the occasion, followed by a grand symbolic meeting of Bada Dev Kamrunag with Raj Madhav Rai, a significant ritual of the festival.
With the arrival of Bada Dev Kamrunag, the traditional proceedings of the Shivratri festival have officially begun. The deity will remain stationed at Tarna Mata Temple for the next seven days, blessing devotees who gather from across the district and beyond.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan stated that the arrival of Bada Dev Kamrunag signals the formal start of the sacred rituals of the festival. He added that other deities have also begun arriving in Mandi and expressed confidence that, with divine blessings, the festival will be conducted successfully.
This year, the International Shivratri Festival will be held from February 16 to 22, with invitations extended to 216 deities from across the district. The district administration has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth and grand conduct of the event. Citizens have been urged to participate in large numbers and seek blessings during the festival.
Earlier, a reception committee constituted by the International Shivratri Fair Committee welcomed Bada Dev Kamrunag at Pulgharat with traditional customs and rituals. Prominent dignitaries, including Sarv Devta Committee President Shiv Pal Sharma and District Revenue Officer Harish Kumar, were present on the occasion.
