The city of Sambalpur is abuzz with devotion, music, and vibrant colours as the historic Sital Sasthi Yatra kicks off today. Celebrated as the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the festival draws thousands of devotees and artists from across India. This year, over 8,000 artistes from Odisha and beyond are participating in the three-day celebration. Rituals began earlier this week, and the much-awaited divine wedding will take place tonight, marking the spiritual union of the deities.

On June 1 night, the homecoming procession of the divine couple will begin and is set to conclude on the evening of June 2. A major highlight this year is the 1.5 quintal silver pandal set up by the Nandapada Sital Sasthi Committee, where the celestial wedding will be held. The cultural lineup includes around 1,800 folk artistes performing traditional acts like Dulduli, Samprada, Ganta, Shabar, Kantara, Mayur, Aghori, Galpa, Ghumura, Purulia Chhau, Dambaru, Jodi Shankha, and Danda Nacha.

Spectacle seekers can also enjoy performances like Kharagpur’s Sher Baja, Mumbai’s Lavani, Kerala’s Melam, and Tambola dancers. Tableaux on chariots will feature Kalabhairava, Panchamukhi Hanuman, Rameshwaram, Sambhaji Maharaj, and Operation Sindoor. The Nandapada committee has allocated a budget of ₹70 lakh for the celebration.

The Jhaduapada Sital Sasthi Committee is hosting performers from all corners, including 150 artistes from Bhopal’s Baba Bateshwar Kirtan Samiti, 60 from Goa’s Shree Tonyeshwar Shingmotsav Mandal, and groups from Kolkata, Assam, and Puri. Their vibrant acts will unfold on two mobile stages. The tableaux here will showcase themes like Aghori idols, BrahMos, S-400 missile, Rafale jet, and a majestic Nandi idol. Over 2,700 artistes are part of this yatra, supported by a ₹60 lakh budget.

The Mudipara Jageswar Baba Committee is also rolling out a grand show with highlights like a Mayur Singhasan (peacock throne), Hanuman’s chariot, and the Ram-Sita Rath adorned with the Neel Chakra. Their tableaux include depictions of Garuda, Narasimha avatar, and BrahMos missile. Dance troupes from Nagpur, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Mumbai, and Kolkata will be part of the procession. This committee has engaged over 3,000 artistes, with a budget of ₹40 lakh.

To support the grandeur of the festivities, the Odisha government has sanctioned ₹1.8 crore to 21 Sital Sasthi committees across western Odisha, including those in Sambalpur city and nearby areas. As the Yatra begins, the entire region transforms into a cultural and spiritual spectacle — a divine celebration that blends mythology, tradition, and community pride.