Sambalpur: Sambalpur is set to host the grand Sital Sasthi festival from June 14, with over 7,500 artistes from Odisha and several other states expected to participate in the week-long celebrations.
The festival, which symbolises the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, will be marked by elaborate rituals, cultural processions and thematic tableaux organised by three major committees—Nandapada, Jhaduapada and Modipada.
The celebrations will begin with the Patrapendi ritual on June 14. The celestial wedding will be solemnised on the night of June 18, followed by the traditional homecoming procession of the divine couple, which will commence the next night and conclude on June 20 evening.
The Nandapada Sital Sasthi Committee, the oldest and largest among the organisers, has allocated Rs 90 lakh for this year’s festivities. Around 2,000 artistes will participate in its procession, featuring traditional performances such as Dulduli, Samprada and Ghanta. Cultural troupes from Kerala, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and West Bengal have also been invited. Key attractions include Maha Mangal Aarti, fireworks display and themed tableaux highlighting environmental awareness.
The Jhaduapada Sital Sasthi Committee has earmarked a budget of Rs 75–80 lakh, with participation of around 2,700 artistes from Odisha and states including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. Renowned groups such as Baba Bateswar Kirtan Samiti from Bhopal will also perform. The procession will feature decorative floats depicting Mahakal, Nrusingha and other mythological themes, along with a giant Putana Badh tableau.
The Modipada Committee has set aside Rs 50 lakh for the festival, with over 2,800 artistes expected to take part. The committee will showcase traditional folk performances including Ghanta, Dulduli, Ghumura, Ranapa and tribal dances. The procession will also highlight environmental conservation under the theme “Save Tree,” along with depictions of Lord Jagannath, Maa Samaleswari and scenes from Hindu mythology.
The festival has been growing steadily in scale and grandeur, with the combined budget of the three major committees rising from Rs 1.7 crore in 2025 to about Rs 2.2 crore this year.
The Odisha government has also sanctioned a grant of Rs 1.08 crore to support the festival and preserve the state’s cultural heritage. The funds will be distributed among 21 committees across the region.
