Mandi Shivratri Begins: Ghritmandal Adorns Baba Bhutnath, Dev Kumbh Soon

• The Shivratri festival, Mandi's biggest celebration, has commenced with the adornment of Ghritmandal in Shiva temples.
• Baba Bhutnath Swayambhu Shivlingam and other temples like Siddhabhadra, Neelkanth, and Mahamrityunjay have received Ghritmandal.
• Shivlingams will not receive Jalabhishek for a month, returning to original form on Mahashivratri in Phalgun.
• Invitations (Nyundra) for Dev Kumbh will be sent to deities for the Shivratri fair, with Lord Kamrunag expected on February 14.
• The fair, deeply connected to the royal family, dates back to Mandi's founding in 1527 AD by King Ajbar Sen.

Why It Matters: Mandi's grand Shivratri festival has begun with Ghritmandal rituals and preparations for the Dev Kumbh fair.