SAMBALPUR: The grand carnival, marking the homecoming of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, began on Monday night with hundreds of people from across the State and outside gathering here to be a part of the annual event.
After the divine marriage as per Vedic rituals on Sunday night, the return journey of the divine couple is accompanied by traditional folk artists who will perform in the colourful carnival till the wee hours of Tuesday. After a break, the procession will resume at around 10 am and conclude late in the afternoon. The divine couple will enter their respective temples after the carnival.What makes Sital Sasthi carnival different is the performances by thousands of traditional folk dancers and musicians on the roads and visitors walking along with the idols of deities on the streets.
As many as 5,900 artists from across the country are performing in the carnival of three prominent Yatra Committees - Jharuapada, Nandapada and Mudipada. This apart, more than 3,000 artists have been invited by Badabazar and Thakurpada Sital Sasthi Yatra Committees to perform.This year, warrior dance Ghumra, folk dance Karma, Medha Nacha, Ghoda dance, Paika Akhada and Danda Nacha from different parts of the State are major attractions. Besides, Bihu, Bhangda and Chhau dance from Assam, Punjab and West Bengal respectively are the added attractions.
Dancers from Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, Mahasamund and Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh are also performing to the tune of popular Bollywood songs. Folk music Dulduli and devotional dance ‘Samparda’ of the region, which forms an integral part of the carnival, is also making its presence felt in the crowd. Also on display are tableaus on various social issues and popular characters.
Meanwhile, tight security arrangements have been made to ensure safety of the visitors. Considering the heat, free cold water, eatables and cold drinks are being supplied to the visitors.The marriage, performed as per Vedic rituals, resembles the ones that are followed in real life marriages. On the auspicious occasion, two married couples are chosen to play the role of parents of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
This year, Mohan Sundar Supkar and his wife Sanjukta Supkar of Jharuapada acted as the in-laws of Loknath Baba of Jharuapada, while Purnendu Kumar Tripathy and his wife Jyotirmayee Tripathy of Nandapada played the role of in-laws for Balunkeswar Baba of Nandapada.Similarly, Seshadev Rath and his wife Nibeditarani Rath of Mudipada got the chance of being in-laws for Jageswar Baba of Mudipada. The groom was taken to the bride’s place in a grand procession. People kept awake throughout the night to witness the celestial marriage.