Sitalsasthi

Shitalasasthi (also known as Sital sasthi) is a significant festival that celebrates the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is primarily observed by the Utkal Brahmins (commonly referred to as Odia Brahmins) and Aranyaka Brahmins (also known as Jhadua Brahmins). The festival has been celebrated for centuries and has its origins in Sambalpur, Odisha. It is believed to have begun around 400 years ago when the King of Sambalpur invited Utkal Srotriya Vaidika Brahmins from the Brahmin sasana villages of Puri district. The Brahmin community of Nandapada, considered one of the oldest groups, initiated the Sitalsasti Utsav.

The festival is a vibrant carnival, featuring participation from people and artists from various walks of life, which enhances its beauty and brings out the true spirit of celebration. Shitalasasthi is observed annually towards the end of the summer season, on the sixth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Jyestha. The purpose of the festival is to invoke the rain gods, providing relief from the intense summer heat. During the carnival period, Sambalpur attracts tourists from neighbouring states and even from abroad.