Sambalpur gears up for Sital Sasthi | Bhubaneswar News
Sambalpur: Sambalpur is preparing for the annual Sital Sasthi festival, a five-day celebration of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati’s divine marriage, scheduled from May 29 to June 2. The state govt has allocated Rs 1.8 crore for the festival, which will be used for preparations and arrangements by 21 organising committees.Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari and his wife will perform the prestigious ‘kanyadan’ ceremony at Jhaduapada. “It’s an overwhelming experience to be chosen as Devi Parvati’s father for this divine marriage,” said Pujari, who is overseeing both the ceremonial arrangements and security measures.The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) has initiated extensive preparations to facilitate smooth processions. “We have cleared unauthorised constructions near Fatak overbridge and Mahamaya Mandir to ensure unobstructed movement of chariots,” said SMC commissioner Vedbhusan. The public works department is currently expanding these routes following the decongestion drive.The five-day celebration includes ‘patarpendi’ (engagement ceremony) on May 29, followed by ‘guagunda’ (invitation to deities) on May 30, the divine marriage on May 31, nagar parikram (city procession) on June 1, and the temple entry of the divine couple on June 2. Around 8,000 artists will participate in various processions during the festival.The administration has implemented comprehensive safety and security measures, including deployment of 12 medical teams, including doctors from VSS Institute of Medical Sciences, Burla, and enhanced police vigilance to prevent criminal activities. Govt has told the power distributor to ensure uninterrupted power and drinking water supply besides installation and repair of streetlights to ensure safety. The SMC is also undertaking infrastructure improvements in Modipara, Bad Sadak, and San Sadak areas, along with drain cleaning work at Ring Road to prepare for the grand celebration. This centuries-old festival, considered one of Odisha’s most significant cultural events, is expected to draw thousands of devotees from across the state and beyond.
