Sambalpur abuzz with Joy as Sital Sasthi festival celebrations reach pinnacle

Sambalpur, June 11: The vibrant atmosphere of Sambalpur town is alive with the spirited celebration of the Sital Sasthi festival, as locals immerse themselves in fervent festivities.

Commencing four days ago, the festival reached a crescendo on Monday with the solemnization of the divine marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. A huge number of devotees across western Odisha united in the town to witness the sacred union of the celestial couple.

The marriage ceremony unfolded with traditional Hindu rituals, symbolizing the role of person as the parents of Goddess Parvati, who offer her hand in marriage to Lord Shiva. The proceedings commenced with a grand marriage procession, as Lord Shiva embarked from the town's temples to Goddess Parvati's abode. The procession, adorned with local deities, esteemed residents, and thousands of artists, was a magnificent sight to behold.

Preparations for the Sital Sasthi festival commence on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, with funds collected during the customary ritual of 'Thala Utha'. The festival kicks off with various rituals, including Patrapendi (engagement) and Niuta (invitation), culminating in the sacred matrimonial ceremony.

This year, approximately 7,000 artists from across the country have been invited by various Sital Sasthi organizing committees to partake in the festivities. The newlyweds are slated to embark on a grand procession through the city on Tuesday night, with the festival drawing to a close on the evening of June 12, as the deities return to their respective temples.

The tradition of organizing the divine marriage ceremony dates back to the 17th century in Sambalpur, commencing at the Someswar Baba temple in Balibandha. Over time, the festival expanded to include the Balunkeswar temple in Nandpara, Loknath Baba in Jharuapara, and Jageswar Baba in Mudipara. Presently, several other Shiva temples in the town partake in the festivities, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.