Mandi, February 13:
Adding a vibrant cultural layer to the grand International Shivratri Festival, Mandi will witness its first-ever literature festival — Chhoti Kashi Sahitya Utsav — on February 14 at Sankan Garden. The official poster and logo of the festival were unveiled by Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan during a press conference held late Wednesday evening.
Marking a significant milestone as the historic town steps into its 500th year, the festival is dedicated to celebrating Mandi’s rich literary and cultural legacy. The Deputy Commissioner highlighted that while literary festivals have become a hallmark of cities like Dharamshala, Kasauli, and Shimla, Mandi had long felt the absence of such a platform. With this initiative, the administration aims to establish a lasting literary identity for the town.
Renowned author Raja Bhasin will inaugurate the inaugural edition of the literature festival. Officials emphasized that this is just the beginning, with plans to expand the festival in the coming years.
Five Insightful Sessions Planned
The one-day festival will feature five engaging sessions exploring diverse literary themes:
Mandiali Folk & Contemporary Literature: A deep dive into the region’s folk traditions and modern literary voices.
Mandi Through Lens & Stage: A discussion on artistic expression via photography, writing, and theatre.
“A Legacy of Stories” – From Folklore to Children’s Tales: Exploring storytelling traditions across generations.
Youth Writing & Mental Health: Addressing creativity, challenges, and emotional well-being among young writers.
Evolution of Ancient & Traditional Literary Forms: A look at how classical styles have transformed over time.
A literary quiz competition will add an interactive element to the event, while a soulful Ghazal Evening promises to be a special highlight.
Beas Aarti on February 15
As part of the extended celebrations, the second Beas Aarti will be held on February 15. Five scholars from Varanasi have been invited to perform the sacred ritual. The administration also outlined elaborate preparations and arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of all festival events.
With literature, spirituality, and heritage coming together, Mandi is all set to script a memorable chapter in its cultural journey.
