Sital Sasthi: Divine marriage of Lord Shiva, Parvati solemnised; ‘Jugal Darshan’ tonight

The historic divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, better known as Sital Sasthi festival, concluded in Sambalpur on the wee hours of Sunday. 

Pomp and gaiety marked the festival with the participation of hundreds of devotees. There was a lot of enthusiasm among the devotees as the festival was being observed without Covid-19 restrictions after a gap of two years. The devotees took part in the festival without any fear. 

In the late hours of Saturday night, processions of Lord Shiva’s entourage started from several Shiva temples in the town for the bride’s house. Amidst sounds of traditional drums, folk dance and, of course, modern dance, the processions were taken out through the town before culminating at their respective bride’s residence. 

At brides’ residences, the parents and the invited guests welcomed Lord Shiva and took him to the marriage altar. In the following hours, the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnised as per the tradition. 

“I feel blessed as well as delighted for having the opportunity to be the mother of Goddess Parvati,” said Kavita Agrawal, a resident of Jhaduapada. 

After spending the day at bride’s residence, the newly-wed couple will be taken out in a grand procession on Sunday night. Devotees in large number will turn up to witness the return of the divine couple, seated in lavishly decorated palanquin, to their respective abodes amidst the sounds of conch shells, cymbals, folk dance and pageantry fireworks. The homecoming of the couple is known as ‘Jugal Darshan’. 

“It is believed that the Jugal Darshan (darshan of the couple) bestows benefits thousand times  more than Ganga ‘snan’,  said a priest. 

“May Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva bless everyone with prosperity and good health,” prayed senior BJP leader and Bargarh MP Suresh Pujari. 

Sambalpur MLA Jaynarayan Mishra said festive mood has gripped the entire Sambalpur district. “People are celebrating the festival with a lot of excitement. On this occasion I extend my best wishes to people of Sambalpur and Odisha,” said Mishra.  

Since over a thousand artistes will be participating in the procession, the celebration would continue till Monday evening.