The Mandi Shivaratri Fair stands as an internationally renowned annual event, spanning seven days and commencing with the auspicious Hindu festival of Shivaratri. Hosted in the town of Mandi in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, this festival has garnered global recognition, earning the title of an international celebration. Mandi town, steeped in historical significance, was under the rule of Raja Ajbar Sen during the sixteenth century. Acknowledged as the first formidable ruler of Mandi State, Raja Ajbar Sen not only amalgamated hereditary regions but also expanded the territory through conquests. Central to the festival is the temple of Bhootnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which he erected at the heart of Mandi town alongside his palace. This temple, along with the Madhav Rai temple built by Raja Suraj Sen, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, forms the crux of the Mandi Shivaratri Fair. The theocratic nature of the state became pronounced during Raja Suraj Sen’s reign when worship of Shiva and associated goddesses took precedence. Further, Raja Suraj Sen, lacking an heir, constructed the Madhav Rai temple and deified an exquisite silver image of Radha and Krishna named “Madho Rai” in 1705. The rulers, henceforth, served as custodians of the state and devoted servants of Madho Rai. The fair’s origins as a specific observance during Shivaratri are attributed to Ishwari Sen, a ruler who, after losing his kingdom in a war, spent 12 years as a prisoner. Upon his release by Gurkha invaders, who had invaded the Kangra and Mandi states, Ishwari Sen was reinstated as the ruler of Mandi. In celebration of his return, Ishwari Sen invited all hill deities for a grand celebration coinciding with the Shivratri festival day. This tradition of hosting the Mandi Shivaratri Fair during Shivaratri has endured, marked by vibrant festivities and cultural richness. In recent years, the fair has embraced modernity with Bollywood artists gracing the celebrations at Paddal in the evenings, adding a contemporary touch to this ancient and revered tradition.