Sambalpur: Sambalpur city celebrated Sital Sasthi in a grand way marking the marriage of Lord Shiva with his consort goddess Parvati which was solemnized Saturday night. The festival was observed in 18 Shiva temples in Sambalpur.
The festival was held in a low-key manner for two years consecutively due to Covid-19. Therefore, there was a large crowd as people thronged the city from various parts of Odisha and neighbouring states to witness the celestial marriage ceremony.
Two eminent persons of the city play the role of parents of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and perform the marriage. The marriage is performed exactly as it is done in the case of the human being but with a more touch of sanctity,
Lord Shiva is brought to the house of the bride, goddess Parvati in a procession. Thousands of devotees accompany lord Shiva in the procession. Another procession, which marks the homecoming of the newly-wed deities after the marriage, will begin on Sunday night and continue till Monday.
Among the prominent places where the festival was held here are – Nandapada, Jhaduapada, Modipada, Badabazar, Thakurpada, and Budharaja. The district police deployed 40 platoons force to maintain law and order.
