Sambalpur (Odisha) [India], May 26 (ANI): On the occasion of the Sital Sasthi yatra in Odisha's Sambalpur, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday offered prayers and participated in the divine wedding procession of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "We are fortunate that we have attended the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati".

"On the occasion of Sital Sasthi, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. For two days in the city, the Shobha Yatra will happen and later Lord Shiva will return here with Goddess Parvati. With great joy and great devotion, Sital Sasthi is being celebrated not even in Sambalpur but in Odisha where there are Shiv Temples," he said.

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's idols were shown to the public in a grand procession for doing 'darshan' of deities on Thursday night. As per the rituals, Lord Shiva, seated in a decorative palanquin was carried around the city almost the entire night.

The marriage was solemnised and chanting of Vedic mantras, blowing of conches and beating the cymbals. The entire process started on Wednesday afternoon and continue till the wee hours of Friday.

The rituals associated with the Sital Sasthi festival are carried out with great devotion and enthusiasm, showcasing the vibrant culture, art, and religious traditions of the region.

The history of the Sital Sasthi festival can be traced back several centuries ago. It is believed that during the reign of King Baliar Singh, the then king of Sambalpur, the festival was introduced.

The king was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and wanted to celebrate his divine marriage with great pomp and show. Thus, he initiated the tradition of the Sital Sasthi Yatra, which eventually became an annual event. (ANI)