Sambalpur: The divine wedding of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati, Sital Sasthi celebrations, began in a low-key manner in Sambalpur today.
In wake of the Covid-19 health pandemic, the marriage was performed without any fanfare.
Usually, people in large numbers congregate in the city to witness the festival which is conceived as a real marriage of a man with a woman from two different families. A couple is selected to play the role of parents of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Like other marriages, Lord Shiva goes to the abode of Goddess Parvati in a procession with artistes performing on the road. And the divine couple moves round the city, which is called Nagar Parikrama, following the marriage on the next day. Lakhs of people from across the State besides, neighbouring Chhattisgarh congregate to witness the colourful carnival, which is also known as the homecoming procession of the divine couple.
