The annual festival of ‘Sital Sasthi’ came to an end with lord Shiva and Maa Parvati coming to their respective temples of the town after a mammoth procession where thousands of artistes from all over the country took part. The 46 degree temperature and scorching heat did not deter the devotees to participate in the holy congregation. The entire town wore a colourful look from Saturday midnight till evening of Sunday with dance, music, and other cultural events.

“Darshan of the Deva Dampati is most auspicious one. Those who take a glance of the divine couple get salvation,” said priest Mahendra Pujari. The homecoming festival of lord Mahadev with Maa Parvati after the marriage is last but the most important event of Sital Sasthi where thousands of people throng the town from different parts of the State every year. Instead of just a procession, it is rather a cultural carnival with participation of artists from different States. May it be Bihu of Assam or Sanchar of Sambalpur, the attraction is as lively as ever.

“Even if we see these performances every year, they cast a spell on us,” said Mahabir Mishra, a young visitor. Jageswar Baba of Modipara, lord Bambarada Balunkeswar of Nandapara, Sri lokanath Baba of Jharuapara, Sri Somanath Baba of Balibandha, Sri Sitaleswara of Badabazar, Sri Gupteswar of Thakurpara, Sri Gudeswar of Durgapali, Sri Pahadeswar of Budharaja, Sri Omkareswar of Sakhipara, Sri Rameswar of Danibandha and all others returned to their respective temples on Sunday evening after a tiresome journey of almost 18 hours on the road.

Interestingly, many social issues also were exhibited during the procession this time like demand for IIM at Sambalpur. So also the replicas of lord Jagannath’s, Devi Subhadra’s and Sri Balabhadra’s Darus were added attractions of the procession.