Sambalpur, June 19: Sambalpur has turned into a divine land as celestial beings like gods, demons, Gandharvas, and Kinnaras are believed to have gathered, making the atmosphere feel like heaven on earth. The entire creation seemed united for the sacred and emotional moment of the celestial marriage of Lord Mahadev (Shiva) and Goddess Parvati.
At the beautifully decorated wedding altar, Lord Shiva appeared in a grand bridal procession (baraat) adorned in gold and silver ornaments. He arrived at Goddess Parvati’s home in a ceremonial procession, symbolizing the divine union of the deities. The sacred wedding rituals of Shiva and Parvati were completed during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta, with the tying of the holy knot marking their divine marriage.
The world-famous Shital Shasthi festival of Sambalpur witnessed elaborate rituals throughout the day. Both the bride’s and groom’s sides remained busy with preparations. The ceremonial handing over of Goddess Parvati’s idol to the new guardians was completed after the untying of last year’s ceremonial bonds.
Various traditional rituals such as turmeric ceremony (haldi), oil bath (taila abhishek), and other customs were performed at the bride’s house. In the evening, Goddess Parvati was adorned with ornaments and dressed as a bride. Similarly, Lord Shiva underwent rituals like Rudra Abhishek and oil bath before being dressed in groom attire at the temples.
The grand procession of Baba Baluankeshwar (the moving idol of Chandrasekhar) from Nandapada passed through several localities including Dalua Pada, Hatapada, Kansaripada, Baidyanath Chhak, and Municipal Chhak before reaching the residence of the bride’s parents, Pradeep Mishra and Binapani Mishra at Nari Seva Sadan. The sacred marriage ceremony was completed there at the auspicious time.
Another procession of Lord Lokanath Baba from Jhadua Pada began around 10 PM after a grand aarti. It moved through Kunjeipada, Gourmath Gali, Gurupada, Baidyanath Chhak, and other routes before reaching the wedding venue at Mahanadi Club, where the marriage rituals were performed according to traditional customs.
The celebrations were enriched with cultural performances including Dulduli, Assamese dance, Chhattisgarhi Jhanz, Mayur Jhala dance, and modern dance forms, showcasing a vibrant blend of tradition and art.
Similarly, the procession of Lord Jagannath (Jageshwar Baba) from Mudipada passed through Padmakeshari Park, water tank area, Mudipada Chhak, and Jagannath Temple Road before reaching the temporary residence of the bride’s parents, Brijesh Soni and Sushmita Soni at Patel Garden, where the divine wedding was solemnized at the auspicious moment.
