Sambalpur: A tragic incident occurred on Sunday night around 10:30 PM just before the start of the main procession of Sheetala Shasthi at Nandapara Chhak.
Preparations were underway for the grand procession of Lord Balyukeshwar Baba and Goddess Parvati, when suddenly Sabyasachi Mishra (aged 57), an active committee member and dedicated volunteer, collapsed and lost consciousness. Local youths immediately rushed him to the District Headquarters Hospital, but doctors there declared him dead.
Sabyasachi Mishra was an employee of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and also an active member of the Odisha Cultural Society. His sudden demise has cast a shadow over the festive spirit of the Sheetala Shasthi celebrations.