Sambalpur: The seven-day-long Sheetal Shasthi festival concluded on a high note here with the customary entry of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati into their abode Saturday.
More than 15,000 artistes from all over the state and beyond enthralled viewers with their cultural performances in an 18-hour-long procession to commemorate the occasion. While youths were seen dancing to invigorating music, others were offering free refreshments to onlookers in order to provide respite from the heat.
After tying the nuptials with Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva atop a palanquin set out for his abode Friday midnight accompanied by a huge procession. The festivities continued throughout the night till 6 am Saturday. The concluding part of the festival again kicked off at 11 am.
Idols of the temples that were part of the festival included – Sri Sri Baral Balunkeswar Baba of Nandapada, Sri Sri Loknath Baba of Jhaduapada, Sri Sri Jageswar Baba of Mudipada, Sri Sri Sheetaleswar Baba of Bada Bazaar and Sri Sri Gupteswar Baba of Thakurpada.
Women were seen waiting before the temples of the area setting up Kalasas and making rangolis to receive the divine pair. The processions reached their respective destinations and devotees sought the blessings of the deities at the temple gates.
Over 50,000 people were part of the carnival this year which is celebrated every year towards the end of the summer season (sixth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Jeshtha). The wedding of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated as Sheetal Shasthi. People invoke the Rain God seeking respite from the scorching heat. The western Orissa town attracts massive footfalls from nearby states and abroad during the celebration of festival.
This year several platoons of police were deployed in the town to maintain law and order while district I&PR department had set up a kiosk at Gol Bazaar to help visitors. Besides, free health camps were set up at different places to assist them.
However, the turnout was less in comparison to last year with the temperature hovering over 42 degree Celsius for the last couple of days, locals said. PNN
