The western part of Odisha is the hub of culture and tradition. Nuakhai is the famous festival that is celebrated widely in this part. Still there are many festivals being celebrated in different parts. Every festival is important and extravaganza. The Bargarh district is famous for Dhanu Jatra where as Sambalpur is famous for Sitalsasthi.
The Sitalsasthi festival was started by the then king of Sambalpur Raja Baliar Singh. Once during his tenure as Raja in the year 1677 he visited Puri and Lord Shree Jagannath. While coming he brought some Bramhins from Puri and they were called as Utkaliya Bramhin. These Bramhins were devotees of Lord Shiva. The traditional Sitalsasthi festival was a part of Puri Jagannath Temple and the Bramhins brought this culture along with them from Puri. During that era there was only one Shiva Temple in Sambalpur . The temple was near Balibandha and called as Somanath Temple. The festival Sitalsasthi started from this temple in the year 1678. After this, many people started celebrating this festival in different parts of the city.
The entire Sitalsasthi festival can be divided into 5 parts as Patrapendi, Guaganda, Marriage,Proceaaion and temple entry. This festival acutely starts from Akhya Tritiya where selection of parents for Devi Parbati is conducted. After getting the permission for marriage,donations toward this begins. A few people are asked to do the secret donation. Many people gather here to witness the marriage of lord Shiva .
Patarpendi is the first day and it is celebrated on the third day of Jyostha Shukla. On this day to search the groom the seven sages along with father of the bride goes to the groom's place. Along with them they bring Sarees, Fruits,Sweets and many other things. During the journey traditional Dhol, Bell ,Conch are plyed. After reaching the groom's place the bride side requests for the marriage. The groom's side will decide among themselves and say Yes. After getting the positive response they will exchange the token for marriage.
The next day is celebrated as Guagunda and it is the second day of the festival. Lord Shiva himself goes to invite others to his marriage. On behalf of him Lord Hanuman gies to many places and request others to be a part of the holy marriage. He also invites other gods by giving some token. This ritual is called as Guagunda. A separate chariot is made for Hanuman. Special invitiee is lord Gopinath Jew and he makes his presence till the end of the ceremony. A group of traditional musicians are part of this along with bell and conch.
The third day is important as the marriage of Lord Shiva with Maa Parvati occurs. In the morning Lord Shiva and Parvati are taken to the house where Maa Parvati got married last year. Her parents of last year function are also a part of this. The knot from the last year marriage are opened here in her last year parents house. This is called Ganthal phita. The relationship between Maa Parvati with her parents from last year ends here. The new parents for this year takes her to their home. Lord shiva comes back to his temple and gets ready for the marriage. In the mid night the journey begins from the temple to the in-law's house. Lord Hanuman, Gopinath jew, Nandi and many other becomes a part of this along with many cultural dance and music performers. Marriage starts in in law's house.
The very next day is also important as the procession begins. This is the only day in a year when the couple together visit the city. After getting a fond farewell they start their journey from the marriage hall. Along with them they get many presentation. Many traditional dance and music troops from diffrent parts of India participate in the procession. Till midnight or till the very next day this procession lasts.
The last day starts with the remaining procession. Once the chariots reaches, the process for temple entry of the new couple begins. After this Satyanarayan Puja begins thanking the lord. Lakhs of people gather here to be a part of the wedding.
The wedding starts and ends with a human touch. Welcoming the bride and fond farewell to the couple creates an emotional moment. Traditional folk dance and song is an important part of this festival. Many transgender community throughout India takes part in the holy marriage. It is a belief in the transgender community that by dancing infront of God Shiva and Parvati they get Moksha after death. Generally this festival is observed in summer time.
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