Sitala Sasthi: How Odisha Celebrates The Holy Matrimony Of Lord Shiva?
Each of Odisha's festivals is a must-see since they are diverse in form and purpose, including topics such as folklore, religion, agriculture, the changing of the seasons, tradition, and even the state's traditional dance Odissi.
All of our beautiful India will send you warm wishes with high spirits of festivity. The lively culture, elaborate traditions, joyous atmosphere, and a plate full of delectable food, this is, after all, what India—the land of festivals—is renowned for. Odisha is one such region in India where people’s pleasant lives revolve on festivals. Being a region where many tribes and religions coexist, you may find the people celebrating a number of festivals all year long.
Odisha has been home to several historical and holy sites and a multitude of religions over the ages. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that it is also the location of several fairs and festivals, including tribal festivals, music and dance festivals, and more. Odisha’s fairs and festivals are so well-known that thousands of tourists and visitors come to the state every year to take part in or observe these festivities. Some even organise a festival trip that visits most of these well-known events, if not all of them. In Odisha, a festival is both a popular and a religious occasion.
Each of Odisha’s festivals is a must-see since they are diverse in form and purpose, including topics such as folklore, religion, agriculture, the changing of the seasons, tradition, and even the state’s traditional dance Odissi. There are certain well-known festivals that you shouldn’t miss.
With Lord Jagannath being the prominent deity of the state, Odisha also celebrates the wedding of Lord Shiva and Maa Paravati in a beautiful way.
Well known as Sitala Sasthi, this festival, which honours the sacred wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, was started in Sambalpur many years ago as a significant event for Utkal Brahmins. The event, which took place on the sixth day of the light fortnight in the month of Jyestha, towards the conclusion of the summer season, also invoked the rain god for protection from the summer heat. It is called ‘sital’ (or cool), the word “Sasthi” denotes the sixth day of the Jyestha month’s fortnight.
Sambalpur, Barapali, and Bhubaneswar all throw lavish celebrations on Sitalasashti. The Shiva and Parvati idols, which are carried out in a lavish procession on elaborately decorated hand-held shrines, are the major attraction. The placement of the holy pair in a Shiva temple marks the conclusion of a puja.
Performances of dance and music take the stage during the event. During the event, a variety of traditional dances from Odisha as well as dances from Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Assam are performed. The funfair in Sambalpur includes tableaus on mythology and a range of contemporary themes; participants travel multiple paths to the temples where the event culminates. People are moving around, according to the tableaus.
Visit the state in any season, and you’ll catch the excitement and joy that these celebrations instill in the populace. Odisha will also not let you down if you’re searching for something more artistic.
