Sambalpur: Sambalpur in Festive Mode for Sital Sasthi; Divine Invitations for Mahadev-Parvati Wedding Complete

Invitation Rituals Completed

Sambalpur: Sambalpur is in a festive mood today as the grand Sital Sasthi festival celebrates the earthly wedding of Lord Mahadev (Shiva) and Goddess Parvati. Yesterday, the final patarpendi (decorative leaf arrangements) work was completed by all committees. Today, Mahavir Hanuman has personally invited all the gods and goddesses to attend this divine wedding. As a result, Sambalpur has transformed into a divine land, welcoming gods, demons, gandharvas, and kinnaras.

Tomorrow night, Lord Mahadev will dress as the groom and set out on his wedding procession.

Hanuman Leads the Invitations

Earlier, the Nandapada committee finished its invitation ritual several days ago. Today, all the other local committees wrapped up their deb nimantran niti (invitation rituals). Notably, the responsibility of inviting the divine guests has been entrusted to the mighty Hanuman.

Therefore, Hanuman carried invitation letters, along with gua (betel nuts) and turmeric powder, on a beautifully decorated chariot. This traditional practice, known as gua-gunda, took place with grand processions accompanied by drums, bells, and conch sounds, making the atmosphere lively and joyful.

Processions Across Temples

In Jhadua Pada, the Loknath Baba temple’s invitation procession started from the temple premises and extended to several places, including Brahmapura temple, Yajna Baraha temple, Bara Balunkeshwar Baba temple, Goura Matha, Dadhibaman temple, Timini Gudi, Bhagabat temple, and Hutapada temple.

Hanuman gave a special invitation to Gopinath Ji of the Brahmapura temple, requesting him to witness the upcoming wedding. During the wedding, Gopinath Ji will accompany Loknath Baba from the main gate to the inner sanctum.

Mudipada and Other Areas Celebrate

Similarly, the Mudipada Jagannath Baba temple completed its invitation ritual with great fanfare. From the temple, Hanuman, seated on a decorated chariot, visited Ram temple, Shani temple, Radha Krishna temple, Bhubaneshwari temple, Batamangala temple, Jagannath temple, Mauli temple, and other nearby temples to invite them for the wedding tomorrow. Again, traditional musical instruments like bells, gongs, and drums accompanied the lively procession.

Citywide Preparations and Excitement

Moreover, other key temples across the city including Badabazar’s Sheetaleshwar Baba, Thakurpada’s Gupteshwar Baba, Balibandha’s Somanath Baba, Budharaja’s Pahadeshwar Baba, Durgapali’s Gudeswar Baba, and Sindurpank’s Tarakeshwar Baba have also completed the gua-gunda ritual.

Tomorrow, Lord Mahadev, dressed as the groom, will leave for the bride’s house, and Sambalpur will dance in celebration with the grand baraat (wedding procession).

Final Wedding Preparations

The wedding will take place tomorrow, Saturday, on the auspicious Jyestha Shukla Paksha Panchami tithi. All Shiva temples have completed their preparations. On the bride’s side, there is excitement and anticipation as they get ready to welcome Lord Mahadev as the groom. Meanwhile, family members and locals are crowding at the bride’s house to witness the rituals.

Finally, the divine wedding of Lord Mahadev and Goddess Parvati will be conducted with full traditional and Vedic customs, marking the highlight of this grand celebration.