Here is the Sital Sasthi 2025 Date time Event Schedule:
Event | Date | Time | Location | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
🟢Sital Sasthi Mahotsav | June 1, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Sital Sasthi Mandarp, Sambalpur |
Grand celebration of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s divine wedding. |
🟢Morning Rituals & Puja | June 1, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Samia Gudi,Somanath Temple | Special prayers and Vedic rituals are performed for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. |
🟢Cultural Programs | June 1, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Various cultural stages | Hindu mythological acts depicting the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. |
🟢Sambalpuri Dance Performances | June 1, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Cultural Stage, Sambalpur | Traditional folk dances including Dalkhai, Rasarkeli, Dand Nrutya, and many more. |
🟢Grand Procession (Shiva Baraat) | June 1, 2025 | 9:00 PM – Late Night | Main streets of Sambalpur | Lavish procession with decorated chariots, elephants, drummers, and dance troupes. |
🟢Final Rituals & Blessings | June 2, 2025 | After Procession | Sital Sasthi Mandap | Devotees seek blessings after the divine wedding ceremony. |
This schedule ensures a vibrant and spiritually enriching experience for devotees and visitors attending Sital Sasthi 2025 in Sambalpur.

Sambalpur the city in western Odisha, It hosts one of the most important cultural festivals in the area: Sital Sasthi. A time when followers gather to celebrate the holy wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati exists. This event brims with excitement and deep religious feeling.
This special festival has rituals, music, and elaborate parades. It draws thousands of visitors each year. Many come to Sambalpur and nearby places like Barpali.
In this blog post, we will explore the origins, importance, timing, and various customs of Sital Sasthi. Whether you live here or are just visiting, this post will help you understand the festival and its cultural importance.
What is Sital Sasthi?
Sital Sasthi is an important festival celebrated mainly in western Odisha. It is especially popular in Sambalpur and nearby areas. The festival commemorates the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, two of the most revered deities in Hindu mythology. According to local traditions and beliefs, this event is symbolic of the union of cosmic energies, the male and female forces that govern the universe.
The term ‘Sital’ refers to the coolness or peace that Lord Shiva brings, and ‘Sasthi’ denotes the sixth day of the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Jyeshtha (May-June). Therefore, Sital Sasthi is celebrated on the sixth day of the lunar month of Jyeshtha, marking the divine union of the gods.
When is Sital Sasthi?
The exact date of Sital Sasthi is determined by the lunar calendar. As mentioned earlier, it is celebrated on the sixth day of the waxing moon in the Jyeshtha month, which usually falls between May and June each year. The date varies depending on the lunar cycle, and it is a significant occasion for the people of Sambalpur and nearby regions.
In 2025, Sital Sasthi will be celebrated on Jun 1st, Sunday 2025. However, it is important to note that the timing of the event can change slightly based on the exact phases of the moon, so it’s a good idea to confirm the date with local authorities and temple management before making travel arrangements.
Sital Sasthi 2025 Date and Time Sambalpur
To join the grand celebrations in Sambalpur, you need to know the date and time of the Sital Sasthi procession. You should also be aware of other important rituals. In 2025, the festival will start on Jun 1st Sunday, and people will celebrate it with pomp and grandeur over several days.
The main event is the grand wedding procession. It usually starts in the afternoon and enters the evening. Various temples in Sambalpur and nearby towns, including Barpali, host special rituals and prayers during this time.
The exact timing of the rituals will vary, but we generally schedule the day’s events as follows:
- Morning: Devotees gather for special prayers and rituals at temples.
- Afternoon: The grand procession begins, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s idols are carried in beautifully decorated chariots.
- Evening: The culmination of the wedding ceremony takes place, with special offerings and prayers.
If you plan to attend the festivities, it’s advisable to arrive early, as the procession tends to draw large crowds, and the streets get crowded with devotees and visitors.
Why is Sital Sasthi Celebrated?
Sital Sasthi is celebrated for several reasons, but the primary one is to honor the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, Parvati, the daughter of the mountain king Himavan, performed severe penance to win Lord Shiva’s love and marry him. Their marriage symbolizes the union of two powerful divine energies, one being the cosmic destroyer and the other being the motherly, nurturing force.
Beyond this, Sital Sasthi is also an occasion for the people of Sambalpur and surrounding areas to showcase their rich cultural heritage, participate in communal prayers, and renew their spiritual connections with the divine. The festival provides a platform for the local community to come together, celebrate, and create memories that transcend generations.
Difference Between Sital Sasthi and Mahashivratri
Sital Sasthi and Mahashivratri both honor Lord Shiva. However, these two festivals are different in meaning and celebration.
- Mahashivratri is a pan-India festival that occurs annually, typically in February or March, to honor Lord Shiva. It marks the night when Lord Shiva danced a cosmic dance. This dance symbolizes the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe. Devotees fast and engage in night-long prayers to seek blessings for spiritual growth and prosperity.
- Sital Sasthi, on the other hand, specifically celebrates the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. More of a regional festival is celebrated mainly in Sambalpur and nearby areas, whereas Mahashivratri is celebrated across the country.
Another key difference is the rituals. While Mahashivratri involves fasting, chanting, and night-long vigils, Sital Sasthi is characterized by grand processions, feasts, and the enactment of the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Sital Sasthi Barpali
Barpali, a small town in Sambalpur district, is another location where Sital Sasthi is celebrated with immense fervor. The town is known for its unique rituals and customs associated with the festival. The Sital Sasthi in Barpali is equally grand, with a special focus on traditional dance performances, folk music, and community participation.
The Barpali temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, plays a pivotal role in the celebrations. The festivities include a special procession where the deities are carried in chariots, accompanied by devotional songs and dances. The locals of Barpali take pride in their rich cultural expressions, and Sital Sasthi provides them with a platform to display their artistic talents.
In 2025, Sital Sasthi Barpali 2025 will coincide with the grand celebrations in Sambalpur, and both towns will witness a significant influx of pilgrims and tourists alike.
Sital Sasthi Brata Katha
One of the key elements of Sital Sasthi celebrations is the Brata Katha or the story recitation. This story narrates the mythology behind the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, highlighting the significance of their divine union. The Brata Katha is an integral part of the festival and is recited in many households and temples during the event. People often accompany the recitation with prayers and fasting.
The Brata Katha emphasizes the virtues of devotion, love, and the power of penance. It inspires devotees to live righteous lives and strengthen their spiritual connection with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Conclusion
Sital Sasthi Sambalpur is not just a religious festival; it is an expression of the region’s vibrant culture, devotion, and community spirit. The festival brings together people from all walks of life, united by their love for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual aspects of the festival or the cultural vibrancy of the grand processions, Sital Sasthi offers a unique experience that showcases the rich traditions of Odisha.
Mark your calendars for Sital Sasthi 2025, as this year promises to be as spectacular and meaningful as ever. Whether you are in Sambalpur, Barpali, or beyond, the celebrations are sure to leave an indelible impression on your heart.