Report By Nishapati Nayak, Sunabeda: The Three-Day-Long Sital Sasthi Festival Began With Enthusiasm And Religious Fervour Here At Open Air Pendal Of HAL Engine Division, Sunabeda And Several Other Places In The District Last Night.
Legend has it that the festival is observed to celebrate the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as depicted in the Shiva Purana
On the auspicious occasion, two married couples have been chosen to play the role of parents of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Last night, the groom was taken to the bride’s place in a grand procession. The marriage ceremony was held late last night. The bride’s father or the Kanyapita gave dowry, comprising jewellery and furniture, to the groom’s family.
Employees and officers of HAL township remained awake throughout the night to witness the divine marriage ceremony . After the ceremonies, on the following evening, divine couple begin their journey of the town, referred as ‘Nagar Parikrama’. This event is also popularly known as ‘Sital Sasthi Yatra’. Folk music, fold dance,bagha nachha (tiger dance) and other such events form the chief attraction of this carnival.
On the occasion of this marriage ceremony, a large number of ‘Hijadas’ or ‘Eunuchs’ come to participate in the celebrations. This is so as Lord Shiva was also referred as ‘Ardhanarishwara.
Bhajan Sandhya also been organised by the puja committee of sital sasthi yatra at open air pendal by little masters of sunabeda.
The festival will continue till Tuesday afternoon.
Comments are closed.