Dharamshala, Feb. 17 -- The seven-day International Maha Shivratri festival began in Mandi on Monday with the first procession led by the presiding deity Raj Madhav Rao and the flag hoisting at the historic Paddal Ground. Deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri attended as the chief guest and released a special logo commemorating the 500th anniversary of Mandi, inaugurated exhibitions by various departments, and released a souvenir from the fair committee. The deputy CM participated in the traditional first procession of Raj Madhav Rao, the presiding deity of Mandi district. Prior to this, he offered prayers at the Raj Madhav Rao Temple. Thousands of devotees, dressed in traditional attire, participated in the grand procession from the temple to the Paddal ground, dancing with their local deities. This time, more than 200 deities have reached Mandi to participate in the festival. The deputy CM also participated in the traditional turban ceremony and extended his best wishes to the people of the state and district at the inaugural function held at the Paddal....