Sambalpur, June 13: Sambalpur is all set to celebrate the renowned Sital Sasthi festival from June 14, with more than 7,500 artistes from Odisha and several other states expected to take part in the week-long festivities.
The festival, which commemorates the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, will feature elaborate rituals, vibrant cultural processions and thematic tableaux organised by three major committees - Nandapada, Jhaduapada and Modipada.
The celebrations will commence with the traditional Patrapendi ritual on June 14. The celestial wedding ceremony is scheduled to be solemnised on the night of June 18. The customary homecoming procession of the divine couple will begin the following night and conclude on the evening of June 20.
The Nandapada Sital Sasthi Committee, the oldest and largest among the organisers, has earmarked a budget of Rs 90 lakh for this year’s celebrations. Around 2,000 artistes will participate in its grand procession, showcasing traditional performances such as Dulduli, Samprada and Ghanta. Cultural troupes from Kerala, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and West Bengal have also been invited. Major attractions will include a Maha Mangal Aarti, a fireworks display and thematic tableaux promoting environmental awareness.
The Jhaduapada Sital Sasthi Committee has allocated between Rs 75 lakh and Rs 80 lakh for the festival. Nearly 2,700 artistes from Odisha and states such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh will participate. The procession will feature performances by renowned groups, including Baba Bateswar Kirtan Samiti from Bhopal, along with decorative floats depicting Mahakal, Nrusingha and other mythological themes. A giant tableau portraying Putana Badh is also expected to draw visitors.
Meanwhile, the Modipada Committee has set aside Rs 50 lakh for the celebrations and expects participation from more than 2,800 artistes. The committee’s procession will showcase traditional folk art forms, including Ghanta, Dulduli, Ghumura, Ranapa and tribal dances. Environmental conservation will be highlighted through the theme “Save Tree,” alongside tableaux depicting Lord Jagannath, Maa Samaleswari and scenes from Hindu mythology.
The scale and grandeur of the festival have continued to grow over the years. The combined budget of the three major committees has increased from Rs 1.7 crore in 2025 to approximately Rs 2.2 crore this year.
To support the event and preserve Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, the state government has sanctioned a grant of Rs 1.08 crore. The financial assistance will be distributed among 21 Sital Sasthi committees across the region.
