Sital Sasthi 2013 in Odisha

Sital Sashti marks the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. The festival is conceived as a real marriage with two families playing the roles of parents, one of them as ‘Bara Pita’ (groom’s father) and the other as ‘Kanya Pita’ (bride’s father). But it is the return of the ‘barat’ which is the highlight of the festival drawing crowds in droves.

In 2013, Sital Sasthi Jatra slated for June 13 to 15 with “Thala Utha” ritual performed on the auspicious day of “Akshya Trutiya”. The “Thala Utha” marks beginning of collection of funds for the Jatra with every citizen contributing as per his capacity.

The real process will begin with “Ganthal-Phitha” (untying of wedding knot) of the divine couple continuing from the previous year. A devotee generally acts as the father of Goddess Parvati. He takes the image of the bride to his house.

Another person appointed as the father of Lord Shiva goes in a procession to the newly selected parent of the bride to make formal proposal of marriage by giving a bundle of sal leaves. This is called “Patra Pendi”. After the negotiation and formal engagement, representative deities from Shiva temple extend invitation to different deities of the locality and also general public.

While the “Patra Pendi” of Nandapada was performed on Sunday evening, that of Jharuapada and Mudipada will be performed on Tuesday.

Traditional Folk dances like Dalkhai, Rasarkeli, Gotipua and Ghumra add to the festive spirit. Eunuchs and nautch girls also join in. While eunuchs from nearby areas participate in large numbers to pay their obeisance to Lord Shiva, also referred to as ‘Ardhanariswara’, dancing girls, popularly referred to as ‘bais’, are roped in from neighbouring states. Of late, vulgarity has crept into the performance of the dancing girls leading to public outcry with many demanding it to be stopped. Although every year, the local administration steps up vigil to put a ban on ‘indecent’ performances by these nautch girls during the carnival, it has proved futile so far.

Taking note of strong reactions to ‘public display of obscenity’ in the procession during Sital Sasthi celebration, police administration here has come up with strictures not to allow obscenity during ‘Bai Nacha’.

This year, Purandar Panigrahi and his wife Kalyani of Sardhapali in Dhama, Narendra Sarangi and his better half Brajeswari of Hirakud Colony and Gitanshu Nanada Mahana and his consort Archana of Jagannath Colony in Sambalpur town will done the role of in-laws for Balunkeswar Baba of Nandapada, Loknath Baba of Jharuapada and Jageswar Baba of Mudipada respectively.

The divine marriages will also be organised for Koshleswar Baba of Budharaja temple, Gupteswar Baba of Thakurpada and Somnath Baba of Balibandha besides Sitaleswar Baba of Badbazar. (Source – New Indian Express)