Malkangiri : In Odisha, where thirteen festivals are celebrated in twelve months, Shital Sasthi holds a special significance. According to the Odia calendar, this festival falls on the Panchami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha, and is followed by the celebration of Shital Sasthi on the next day, the Shasthi Tithi. This week-long festival marks the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Devotees believe that during this period, Lord Shiva represents the intense heat of summer, while Goddess Parvati symbolizes the onset of the first rains, bringing relief. Such a significant celebration could never be forgotten by the people of Balimela. Like every year, this year too, the festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion at the Akhandalamani Temple located in Dragline.
In this ceremonial observance, Ladu Kishore Panigrahi, a resident of Balimela Bazaar, assumed the role of the bride’s father (Goddess Parvati’s father), while Sharata Padhi of Kalichhak acted as the groom’s father (Lord Shiva’s father).
According to sources, this morning at the Akhandalamani Temple premises, a ritual of chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” 108,000 times was performed, along with a fire ritual (homa yajna) where Bel leaves were offered. The entire temple environment became sanctified with holy chants and blessings from the priest Bhola Mahapatra.
In the afternoon, around 4 PM, the wedding ceremony was conducted following all rituals and traditions, in the presence of the symbolic groom’s and bride’s families, along with numerous devotees.
Later, at 7 PM, Lord Shiva was taken on a grand palanquin procession around the town before re-entering the temple. The symbolic father of the bride, Ladu Kishore Panigrahi, led Shiva and Parvati to the mandap to solemnize the divine marriage.
Hundreds of devotees created a divine ambiance with conch shells, drums (mridanga), and jubilant cheers that echoed across the temple premises. The celebrations concluded with all devotees partaking in the holy prasad (sacred food offering).
This major spiritual responsibility was successfully carried out thanks to the leadership and cooperation of Temple Committee Chairman Debendra Kumar Bhola, along with Rajendra Kumar Pradhan, Santosh Gantayat, Manoj Khandual, Tukulu Pradhan, Jatirmaya Mandal, and other members. The people of Balimela have expressed heartfelt thanks for the successful execution of the event.