Sambalpur, June 17: The famous Sital Sasthi festival of Sambalpur commenced on Wednesday with the traditional Patarpendi (engagement) ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, marking the beginning of one of western Odisha’s most celebrated religious and cultural events.

As part of the rituals, the engagement ceremonies of several presiding deities from different localities of Sambalpur were conducted with great devotion and enthusiasm. These included Jageswar Baba of Modipada, Lokanath Baba of Jhaduapada, Sitaleswar Baba of Bada Bazar, Kalpeswar Baba of Kuluthkani and Pahadeswar Baba of Budharaja. Devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the sacred proceedings.

At around 7 pm, special rituals and prayers were performed at the temple of Lord Shiva in accordance with traditional customs. Following the rituals, the symbolic groom’s party, comprising the Barapita (groom’s father) and the Saptarishi (seven sages), set out in search of a suitable bride for Lord Shiva. A grand procession accompanied by the sounds of bells, conch shells, duluduli and dhamal musical instruments added colour and vibrancy to the occasion.

The groom’s party eventually reached the residence of Pradeep Mishra of Shasan, who represented the bride’s family. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by the bride’s side. The groom’s father formally expressed his interest in seeking a suitable bride for Lord Shiva, while the accompanying sages praised the virtues and qualities of the divine groom before the bride’s family.

After the bride’s family gave their consent, the engagement ceremony was solemnized in the presence of the Saptarishi. As per tradition, Goddess Parvati was symbolically chosen as the bride by offering bel leaves, flowers and a bundle of sacred sargi leaves. With this ritual, the Patarpendi or engagement ceremony was successfully completed, setting the stage for the grand divine wedding celebrations that will follow as part of the Sital Sasthi festival.