SAMBALPUR: The scorching heat failed to deter locals from participating in the Sital Sasthi carnival, which concluded on Sunday noon. The town recorded a temperature of 46.6 degree C on the day.
The carnival marked the home-coming ceremony of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati after their marriage was solemnised on Friday night.
The marriage is held on sixth day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Jyestha to welcome monsoon. More than 9000 artistes from across the country were invited by Jhaduapada, Nandapada, Mudipada, Badbazar and Thakurpada Sital Sasthi Yatra Committees to perform in the Sital Sasthi carnival. The artistes performed for 14 hours on moving vehicles and on the road enroute to respective temples of the divine couple.
Nabakalebara of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra was the popular theme of the carnival this year.