Overview
MAHASHIVRATRI - THE BIG NIGHT OF LORD SHIVA
Imagine a Phalanx of Gods and Goddesses descending upon one place, in
elaborately decorated gurs or Palanquins for a brief period every year and what
you get is a town that is charged with an electrifying atmosphere. Come
Shivratri hundreds of local deities invited from all over the Mandi district,
start arriving in Mandi town admist much fanfare. It?s religious fervor at its
best.
However during Mahashivratri, even the gods must follow certain rules in Mandi.
The Main deity, also known as the Protector of Mandi, is Madho Rao (Lord Vishnu)
and it is to him that every arriving deity must first pay obeisance. Next is a
meeting with the Raja of Mandi, followed by a visit to the ancient Bhootnath
(Lord Shiva) temple. Only then can the visiting deities proceed to their
designated places.
The Fair atually begins the day after Mahashivratri and goes on for six days.
The mornings are devoted to all things religious ritualistic while the evenings
are dedicated to a Plethora of Cultural programme conducted at the Seri Manch.
SHIVRATRI FAIR AT MANDI
Mandi Shivaratri Fair is an annual fair that is held for 7 days starting with
the Hindu festival of Shivaratri, in the
Mandi town.
The Mandi Shivaratri fair is held as per Hindu calendar every year on the
Krishna paksha 13th day/ 13th night (breaking fast/'vrata' on 14th after
sunrise) of the waning moon in the month of Phalguna that corresponds to
February/March as per Gregorian calendar. In view of the large number of Gods
and Goddesses that are invited to the festival from its 81 temples, Mandi town
has the title of 'Varanasi of the Hills'.
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 "cathedral of temples", is one of the oldest towns of
Himachal Pradesh with about 81 temples of different Gods and Goddesses in its
periphery. There are several legends linked to the celebration of this event.
The festival is centered around the protector deity of Mandi "Mado Rai" (Lord
Vishnu) and Lord Shiva of the Bhootnath temple in Mandi.
The observance of the fair is marked on the Shivaratri day
when the village Gods are carried in palanquins or rathas (chariots by people)
to Mandi to pay homage to Madho Rai and the Raja. The Gods and Goddesses of
various caste denominations such as Brahmin, Kshatriya carry the deity only by
palanquins or on their back. However, some exceptions of carrying them in
vehicles by some caste groups have been noted. Thereafter, the fair lasts for
seven days. It is an accepted practice that every deity that is brought to the
festival (decorated with glittering embroidered drapery) visits Madho Rai temple
first to pay obeisance to Lord Vishnu and then proceed to the palace in a
colourful procession called the Shoba Yatra known locally as 'Zareb', to honour
the ruler (the regent of the Lord Mado Rai) (it is also said that Madho Rai
comes out of his temple only once a year on the Shivaratri day and leads the
procession and thereafter pay obeisance to Lord Shiva at the Bhootnath temple
where the main festival of Shivaratri is held. The palanquins of the deities are
swayed to the drum beats and folk music to indicate their happiness after
visiting the temples of Vishnu and Shiva. There is pecking order that is
maintained in the sequence of worship by the various deities invited to the
fair, based on rank and status. The day after the Shivaratri, on the second day
of the fair, a pageant of Gods with folk bands, dancers and devotees (all
dressed in their colourful attire) and with lot of fanfare, is held in Paddal, a
large open ground at the confluence of the Beas and Suketi rivers. The 200 odd
deities that arrive from various shrines around the Mandi town are assigned
places at the Paddal grounds as per the pecking order, where the devotees offer
worship to all the deities. The pageant is held every day of the festival
One day before the concluding day of the festival at the end of fanfare, music
and dance, in the evening, Jagaran (literal meaning "night vigil" ? a puja or
worship throughout the night) is held. On this occasion, a Guru and his disciple
proclaim prophesies for the following year. On the last day of the festivities,
prayers are chanted and after paying obeisance to Lord Shiva all the deities
assembled in Mandi depart to their original abodes. On this occasion, chadars (a
form of devotional drapery offering to the God) are offered. It is also an
occasion when the head of the State, now a governor, is normally present on the
last day and joins the worship and accompanies the pageant. During all these
festivities, it is said that Rishi Kamru Nag (local god of rains), the presiding
deity of the Maha Shivaratri, after paying his obeisance to Madho Rai moves to
the Tarna mata temple at the top of the Tarna hill from where he watches the
proceedings of the fair for seven days.
Cost
includes:
? Double room on twin sharing basis on bed & breakfast
basis.
? All transfers and sight seeing by air-conditioned Vehicle.
? Services of German / English Speaking local guides in each city for
sightseeing as per the itinerary.
? Entrance to the monument.
? Train fare between Delhi ? Chandigarh & Amritsar Delhi. AC Chair Car.
? Service Tax.
Cost does not include:
. Any airport taxes.
? Any airfares.
? Any new tax imposed by the Government.
? Any meals other than specified
? Any expenditure of personal nature such as tips, drinks, telephone charges,
laundry etc.
IMP
Incase of waitlisted booking we have to hold
the alternate, for which we will advise the supplement OR reduction accordingly.
? The above rates are based on presently prevailing taxes and entrances to the
monuments. If there is any change, prices will also change accordingly.
? Check in and check out time is 1200 Hrs noontime.
? In case of fluctuations in the Rate of Exchange, the above-mentioned prices
will change.
16th,Feb 2012
Arrive Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, you will be Greeted and Escorted by Indo Asia Tour
Executive to your Hotel (Rooms will be available 1200 Noon).
In its 3000 years of existence; seven cities have risen where the present
capital of India stands. Here you'll encounter a fascinating blend of the
ancient and the contemporary. Where government buildings, medieval palaces and
bazaars exist beside a modern metropolis. Delhi is a city waiting to be
explored.
Overnight in the Hotel.
17th,Feb 2012 Delhi
After breakfast, enjoy the sightseeing of Delhi.
We start the tour with the majestic Red Fort (Closed on Monday) - the
17th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge
33m high boundary wall. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.
Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid (Friday
Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in
1656 at a cost of one million Rupees has perfect proportions. India's largest
mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer. The interior of the
prayer hall is divided into aisles by arches. The walls and floors are of marble
inlay panels.
Also visit the Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna is Mahatma
Gandhi's Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January
1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple
square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words "Hey Ram".
An eternal flame burns 24 hours.
Drive through Lutyens Delhi and see India Gate - Built of
Bharatpur-stone, commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st
world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War
of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Photo stop at
Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy's residence is now the official
residence of the President of India.
Later in the afternoon explore New Delhi. Visit the Humayun's Tomb,
built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century. An early example of Mughal
architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. The elements in its
design - a squat building, lighted by high arched entrances, topped by bulbous
dome and surrounded by the char bagh (garden divided into quadrants), water
channels and fountains.
Later visit the Qutub Minar - the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of
victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The Minar is 72.5m high with a
diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. The tower has 379 steps to the
top.
Overnight in the Hotel.
18th,Feb 2012
Delhi - Chandigarh - Nalagarh
After early breakfast transfer to the railway station and connect train Kalka
Shatabadi - 0740 / 1105 Hrs to
Chandigarh.
On arrival check in at the hotel
Arrive railway station and further drive to Nalagarh (50 Kms)
Nalagarh is a gateway to Himachal Pradesh in North India. The Fort which was
built in 1421 during the reign of Raja Bikram Chand is located on a hillock at
the foothills of the mighty Himalayas affording a panoramic view of the Shivalik
hills beyond the Sirsa river. Nalagarh was ruled by the Chandela Rajputs who
originated from Chanderi in the Bundelkhand region of central India.
Arrive and check in at the Hotel. Overnight in the Hotel.
19th,Feb 2012
Nalagarh - Mandi (150 Kms - 5Hrs Drive)
After breakfast drive to Mandi, arrive there and transfer to the Hotel.
Built along the Beas River is the historic town of Mandi, the gateway to the
Kullu valley . Mandi is renowned for its
81 old stone temples and their enormous range of fine carving, it is often
called the 'Varanasi of the Hills'. Evening at leisure.
Overnight in the Hotel.
20th,Feb 2012
Mandi
Full day to visit Maha Shivratri celebrations in Mandi town.
Evening visit Shiva temple (Bhutnath/ Trilokinath) to see the Maha shivratri
celebrations.
Bhutnath Temple: The temple, located in the heart of the town was buit by Raja
Ajber Sen in 1527 AD. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and was built at the
time when State Capital was shifted from Bhiuli to present place. There is
tradition of Raj Madhav Rao, the deity who ruled the Mandi state, visiting the
temple and offer prayers before starting the procession of Shivratri Fair along
with all the visiting hill deities.
TrilokNath Temple: The temple of Triloknath was built by Sultan Devi,
queen of Raja Ajber Sen in 1520 AD. Temple houses the three-faced image of Lord
Shiva and is located in Purani Mandi across Victoria Bridge on Mandi Pathankot
National Highway. Trilokinath temple is one of the oldest temples in the town
with typical architecture and sculptural artistry Idols of Narda and Sharda and
many Hindu gods are also worshipped alongwith the main deity Trilokinath.
Overnight in the Hotel.
21st,Feb 2012 Mandi
Full day to explore the Rewalsar town. Rewalsar
which is holy place for Tibetans who call it as Tso Pema. Rawalsar is sacred to
adherents of three major religions ? Hinduism, Budhism and Sikhism.
Visit the famous Hindu temple and a Gurdwara, This Gurudwara was built in 1930
by Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi. Overnight in the Hotel.
22nd,Feb 2012 Mandi - Taragarh (120
Kms - 3 to 04 Hrs drive)
After breakfast drive to Taragarh enroute visiting Bir monastery & Vaidyanath
Shiva temple at Baijnath.
On arrival check in at hotel
Situated at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level, Taragarh lies on a 15
acre are of tea plantations at the foothills of
Dhauladhar Mountains and offers picturesque views of the snow capped peaks.
Overnight in the Hotel.
23th,Feb 2012 Taragarh - Dharmshala (51 Kms - 2 Hrs drive)
After breakfast visit to Tashijong Monastery.
Later drive to Dharamsala enroute visiting Tea gardens in
Palampur & Chamunda Devi temple. On arrival check in at hotel
Dharamshala has monasteries representing all the three important sects of
Buddhism. The right place indeed to get introduced to one of the most popular
religions of the world.
Evening at leisure
Overnight in the Hotel.
24th,Feb 2012 Dharmshala
Morning visit the monasteries and later visit the Tibetan Norbulingka Institute
where Tibetans learn to paint the Thangkas, stitch garments and craft articles
of wood. The museum close by is equally interesting. Thereafter visit to the
Tibetan astro institute, with its college, the library and the unique museum.
The Tibetan government in exile is spread all over here.
Afternoon visit HH The Dalali Lama temple and make a Kora walk around His
Holiness residence. Evening free to explore Mcleodganj town on own.
Overnight in the Hotel.
25th,Feb 2012 Dharmshala - Amritsar(200 Kms - 6Hrs
drive)
After breakfast drive to Amritsar. On arrival check in at hotel.
Evening visit Wagah border for Flag ceremony.
You can also have the optional to visit Golden temple at night to view Palaki
Sahib ceremony.
Wagah Border:
Located at a distance of 28 kilometers from Amritsar, Wagah, an army outpost on
Indo-Pak border - between Amritsar and Lahore, is an elaborate complex of
buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. At the entrance of this outpost,
there is a sightseeing gate with an inscription "Swarna Jayanti". From this
place, a panoramic view of the landscape is seen. There are electrified fences
with 66,000 volts of electric current.
This place is famous for its "Beating the Retreat" ceremony performed by the
soldiers in evening. Soldiers from India and Pakistan perform a flag march. The
flags of both the countries are brought down. Then the gates between India and
Pakistan are opened. Soldiers perform some drills and then the complex is
illuminated.
The whole ceremony takes about half an hour. En route Wagah, the tourists chance
upon seeing some of the most fertile lands of Amritsar.
Overnight in the Hotel.
26th,Feb 2012 Amritsar - Delhi (Train)
After breakfast visit the following:
Golden Temple
Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or
Golden Temple, is named after Hari (God) i.e. the temple of God. The
Harmandir Sahib is the holiest shrine in Sikhism and is a major pilgrimage
destination for Sikhs from all over the world. Construction of the Golden Temple
began in 1574 on land donated by the Mughal emperor Akbar and was
completed in 1601, but restoration and embellishment continued over the years.
The most famous and sacred part of the Golden Temple complex is the Hari
Mandir (Divine Temple) or Darbar
Sahib (Court of the Lord), which is the beautiful golden structure at the
center of a large body of water. The water that surrounds the Hari Mandir is a
sacred pool known as the Amrit Sarovar, "Pool of Nectar." Another major
highlight of the Golden Temple complex is the Guru-ka-Langar, a dining hall
where around 35,000 people a day are fed for free by temple volunteers.
Jallianwala Bagh (Garden):
This place is noted for its most notorious massacre under British rule. The
incident took place on April 13, 1919, when thousands of people had gathered in
Jallianwala Bagh to voice their feelings against the repressive policies of the
British Government. This ground surrounded by high walls on all sides has only a
narrow alley for access.
General Dyer (Lieutenant Governor of the province at that time) personally led
the troops to the sight and ordered his men to open fire without any warning. It
resulted in the death of 379 and injured more than 1200. Till date, the bullet
holes can be seen on the walls and adjoining buildings. A section of wall with
bullet marks still visible is preserved along with the memorial well, in which
some people jumped to escape.
Today this ground has been changed to a park and it has a pleasant garden. At
the east end of the garden there is a large memorial, which commemorates the
sacrifices of hundreds of men, women and children who were victims of ruthless
firing of the British forces.
Later evening transfer to the railway station to board the train to Delhi.
(Swarna Shatabdi ? Dept time ? 1700 Hrs ? Arr time ?
2305 Hrs) Arrive Delhi and transfer to the Hotel.
Overnight in the Hotel.
27th,Feb 2012 Delhi - Departure
In time transfer to the airport to board the flight back
home. (Check out time is 1200 Hrs).
End of Services
Tour Prices
| Category |
Currency |
Prices |
| Per Person on twin sharing basis |
USD |
1300 |
PRICE INFO AND VALIDITY:
* The above quote is valid for the mentioned paying persons only
* The above rates are based on presently prevailing taxes and entrances to the
monuments. If there is any change, prices will also change
accordingly.
* Given rates are based on present rate of exchange and incase of fluctuation
they may change.
* In case of waitlisted booking we have to hold the
alternate, for which we will advise the supplement OR reduction accordingly.
