Sital Sasthi: The Origins, History, and Cultural Essence Revealed (2025)
Sital Sasthi - Shiva Parvati Marriage

The Sital Sasthi: The Origins, History, and Cultural Essence Revealed (2025)

Table of Contents

Influence of Little Traditions in Ancient Times

The origins of the Sital sasthi festival in Sambalpur can be traced back to the reign of Raja Baliar Singh (1725-1766), who played a significant role in its establishment. During his reign, the festival gained prominence, and the Sasani Brahmins of Puri brought the tradition to Sambalpur. It officially began at the Lokanath Temple in 1976, with the Nagara Parikrama (procession) commencing in 1985. The Yatra is observed annually on the Sasthi Tithi in the month of Jyestha and continues to be a major cultural and religious event in the region.

Religion has always shaped life in various parts of India, including Odisha. In ancient times, kings and religious leaders used Little Traditions to spread religious messages. The Siva cult of the Hindu Great Tradition influenced many folk dramas in Odisha and India. One example is the Sital Sasthi Yatra in Sambalpur, which blends elements of the Great Tradition with local traditions. For centuries, organizers have worked to preserve and promote this Puranic folk drama. Sambalpur, located on the bank of the Mahanadi River, is the district headquarters of Sambalpur district, with remnants of the old Sambalpur Garh still visible today.


2. Introduction to Sambalpur and the Sital Sasthi Yatra

Sital Sasthi: The Origins, History, and Cultural Essence Revealed (2025)
Ancient old Sambalpur
Sital Sasthi: The Origins, History, and Cultural Essence Revealed (2025)
Ancient old Sambalpur

Location and Cultural Significance of Sambalpur

Sambalpur is located on National Highways NH-6 and NH-42, approximately 317 kilometers from the state capital, Bhubaneswar. While the exact origin of West Orissan folk drama remains unclear, the rich folk tradition of the Sital Sasthi Yatra in Sambalpur is one of the most prominent folk drama forms that continues to thrive in the community.

Sital Sasthi Yatra: A Unique Folk Drama Tradition

The Sitala Sasthi Yatra is a unique form of folk drama in Sambalpur, where the divine characters Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati are portrayed as human characters. Their marriage ceremony is celebrated according to local customs and traditions, holding a special place on Odisha’s cultural map.


3. The Mythological Story Behind the Yatra

The Story of Daksa, Sati, and Lord Siva

According to the myth, Daksa arranged a Yajna and invited all the deities, except his daughter Sati and her husband, Siva, whom he disapproved of. When Sati learned of this, she was heartbroken. She decided to attend the ceremony despite the lack of an invitation. Upon arrival, she was dishonored by her father, which led her to accuse him of disrespecting her husband. In his anger, Daksa cursed Lord Siva, calling him a beggar, an Ashman, a Yogi, and the king of goblins. Unable to bear the insult, Sati threw herself into the Yajna-Kunda and perished.

Sati’s Rebirth as Parvati and Her Tapasya

Sital Sasthi: The Origins, History, and Cultural Essence Revealed (2025)
Sital Sasthi – Shiva Parvati Marriage

Sital Sasthi: The Origins, History, and Cultural Essence Revealed (2025)

Lord Siva, in his fury, performed his Tandava, carrying Sati’s corpse, causing chaos and threatening the destruction of the universe. To restore balance, Lord Vishnu intervened, and once Siva regained consciousness, he retreated to his abode on Kailash Mountain. In the Sitala Sasthi Yatra, as per Dr. Chitrasen Pasayat, Sati took rebirth as Parvati in the house of Kailash Mountain. She performed intense Tapasya (austerity) to win Lord Siva as her husband. Pleased by her devotion and determination, Lord Siva finally agreed to marry Parvati.


4. The Sacred Marriage of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati

Human Participants Portray the Deities’ Parents

The Sital Sasthi Yatra of Sambalpur centers around the marriage ceremony of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati. A unique aspect of this folk tradition is that human beings take on the roles of the parents of these deities. During the sacred marriage ceremony, they perform the role of Parvati’s father and mother and also carry out the Kanyadan ritual, which is considered highly auspicious for Hindu parents.


5. Historical Significance of the Sitala Sasthi Yatra

Roots in Mythology and Historical Influence

The Sitala Sasthi Yatra has a rich history, reflecting the glorious religious traditions of Sambalpur. While rooted in mythology, it also has historical significance. Though the influence of the Saiva cult is evident, the precise historical origins of the Yatra in Sambalpur remain unclear. However, some historical evidence suggests that this folk tradition has been celebrated since the seventeenth century, keeping the flame of tradition and history alive in the region.


6. The Reign of Raja Baliar Singh and the Yatra’s Origins

Raja Baliar Singh’s Reign (1660-1690)

Sital Sasthi: The Origins, History, and Cultural Essence Revealed (2025)
Raja Baliar Singh

The Sital Sasthi Yatra is believed to have started during the reign of Raja Baliar Singh (1660-1690), the Chauhan ruler of Sambalpur. He was one of the most successful and revered rulers, a great warrior who expanded the territories of the Sambalpur kingdom through several victorious campaigns. He conquered eighteen Garhs and declared himself the lord of these territories. His bravery impressed the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, who honored him with the title of Hirakhanda Chhatrapati Maharaj.


7. Raja Baliar Singh’s Legendary Combat

The Challenge from the Dowager Queen

According to legend, Raja Baliar Singh once visited Puri on a pilgrimage at the invitation of his mother’s sister, the Dowager Queen. After visiting the Lord Jagannath temple, he was invited to the palace of the Gajapati Maharaja. The Queen challenged him to prove his strength and intelligence. She locked him in a room with eight Mallas to test his combat skills. Without hesitation, Raja Baliar Singh drew his Samaleswari Khanda from his waistband and defeated all eight Mallas.

Raja Baliar Singh’s Victory and the Bestowment of Honors

Impressed by his courage, the Queen persuaded her son, the Gajapati Maharaja, to bestow the high honor of Hirakhanda Chhatrapati Maharaj on Baliar Singh.


To commemorate this, at Raja Baliar Singh’s request, the Gajapati Maharaja sent eighteen Brahmin families from various Sasanas of Puri to Sambalpur, where they were settled in different places across the kingdom.

Raja Baliar Singh also employed the Brahmin families in various positions within his court. One notable figure was Pandit Gangadhar Mishra, the court poet and author of the Kosalananda Kavya, a significant text that provides insight into the administration of the Chauhan kings of Sambalpur. These Brahmin families first settled in Nanda Pada and, in their native Sasani villages, celebrated the Sitala Sasthi Yatra. Upon their arrival in Sambalpur, they introduced this tradition at Samia Gudi (the Somanath temple inside the Sambalpur fort).

This move was likely a diplomatic strategy by the Brahmins to secure and maintain their social dominance in a tribal-dominated region like Sambalpur. These Utkaliya Brahmins, also known as Udia or Odia Brahmins, initiated the Sitala Sasthi Yatra at the Samia Gudi (Somanath Temple) located at Balibandha, which was then part of the Sambalpur Garh or fort.

The Utkaliya Brahmins are primarily Siva worshippers, while the Aranyaka Brahmins are mostly Paramarthis or Vaishnavas (Senapati and Mahanti, 1971: 112). Raja Baliar Singh extended his royal patronage to the Sitala Sasthi Yatra, marking a process of Brahminisation or Sanskritization in the Sambalpur region. Later, these Utkaliya Brahmins requested Raja Ajit Singh (1725-1766) to construct a Siva temple at Nanda Pada, further cementing the cultural and religious influence of the Brahmin community in the area.

Raja Ajit Singh was a powerful and efficient ruler, especially in the early years of his reign. A patron of Brahminical culture, he established Ajitpur Sasan. However, around 1760, he became indifferent, indulging in luxury and pleasure. He left the kingdom’s administration entirely to his Dewan, Dakshin Ray, who wielded unchecked power and committed various excesses.

Raja Ajit Singh also directed his Dewan to build the Balunkeswar temple on the banks of the Mahanadi River. Construction began during his reign (1725-1766), but political turmoil in Sambalpur prevented its completion. Raja Ajit Singh passed away in May 1766, and his son, Abhaya Singh (1766-1778), ascended the throne at the age of sixteen. However, the Dewan imprisoned the young king, and Abhaya Singh died in jail after twelve years in 1778.

During this period, the Dewan was the de facto ruler of Sambalpur. He completed the Balunkeswar temple, where the Sitala Sasthi Yatra was celebrated. Following this, the festival was observed at the nearby Lokanath temple in Jharua Para and later at the Jageswar temple in Mudi Pada. The Lokanath temple in Jharua Pada was constructed by a Behera family from Jhadua Pada, an area predominantly inhabited by Aranyaka Brahmins, locally known as Jhadua Brahmins. The Jageswar Baba temple at Mudi Pada was built in 1816 by Danei Patel.

Here’s the revised version with the important points highlighted and bolded:


1. Origins and Evolution of the Sitala Sasthi Yatra

Inception of the Yatra

The Sitala Sasthi Yatra began in the Lokanath temple in 1976, but the Nagara Parikrama (procession) started in 1985. The festival is believed to have gained significant support during the reign of Raja Ajit Singh (1725-1766) of Sambalpur.

Rivalry Between Brahmin Groups

Traditionally, the Utkaliyas are mostly Siva worshippers, while the Aranyakas are mostly Paramarthis or Vaishnavas. These two Brahmin groups have a long-standing rivalry, particularly in observing religious rites like the Sitala Sasthi Yatra, which is one of the biggest festivals in Sambalpur district.

  • Utkaliyas are considered the highest in the caste hierarchy, with Aranyakas next in line.
  • An Aranyaka can take cooked food from a Utkaliya Brahmin’s house, but not the other way around.
  • Intermarriage between the two groups was once forbidden, though there have been cases of intermarriages in recent years.
  • The rivalry has led to serious disputes, with violent clashes recorded in 1940, 1945, and 1954.

2. Raja Ajit Singh’s Role and Support for the Festival

Patronage and Devotion

Raja Ajit Singh was deeply devoted to Lord Jagannath and spent considerable time in Puri. He invited Utkaliya Brahmins from various Brahmin Sasanas in Puri to settle in Ajitpur Sasan (now known as Sasan), about 15 kilometers from Sambalpur on the National Highway towards Jharsuguda. The king generously donated rent-free land to these Brahmins as a form of patronage.

  • Raja Ajit Singh’s reign saw the construction of the famous Asta-Sambhu temples, including Kedarnath at Ambabhona, Biswanath at Deogaon, Balunkeswara at Gaisama, Mandhata at Maneswar, Swapneswara at Sorna, Bisweswara at Soaranda, and Nilakantheswara at Niljee.

3. The Significance of the Sital Sasthi Yatra

Saiva Cult Influence

The Sital Sasthi Yatra originated as a tradition of the Sasani Brahmins of Puri, which was later carried over to Sambalpur during the Chauhan rule. The influence of the Saiva cult is evident in the Yatra, and it has evolved to become deeply rooted in the culture of Sambalpur, attracting both common people and followers of traditional drama forms.


4. Rituals and Observances During the Yatra

Timing and Celebrations

The festival is observed on the Sasthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyestha, corresponding to the sixth day of the waxing moon in May or June. However, the celebrations begin a month earlier, in Baisakh (April-May), marking the start of the festival preparations. The first significant ritual, known as ThaliUtha, is performed on Akshaya Trutiya (the third day of the bright fortnight in Baisakh).

Rituals of the Yatra

During the festival, the human parents of Lord Shiva begin the search for the human parents of Goddess Parvati. These human parents perform the Kanyadan (giving away of the bride) ritual. Chanda (public donations) are also collected to organize the event.


5. Challenges and Continued Growth of the Festival

Despite challenges, including the conversion of land grants for Puja activities into personal property by unscrupulous individuals during British rule, the festival continues to thrive. It receives significant patronage from the people of Sambalpur, and its emotional and cultural significance has made it an integral part of the region’s heritage.


The Ganthli-Hita Niti: Severing Ties for the Sital Sasthi Yatra

Introduction to Ganthli-Hita Niti

The Ganthli-Hita Niti is a crucial ritual in the Sitala Sasthi Yatra, marking the disconnection between Parbati (Goddess Parvati) and her previous human parents. This emotional, yet religious, ritual sets the stage for the new parent-child relationship for the year’s Yatra.

Ritual Process and Meaning

The Ganthli-Hita, meaning “the opening of the knot,” is performed by the temple priest, who acts as Lord Shiva’s father. The ritual involves a visit to Parbati’s former human parents, symbolizing the severing of social and emotional ties.

Cultural Influences of the Ritual

The Ganthli-Hita Niti is deeply tied to local customs where children are sometimes “given away” to other families to protect them from misfortune. This practice reflects the importance of creating new social ties while maintaining biological connections.

Ganthli-Hita Niti and Child Marriage Practices

This ritual also aligns with the child marriage customs in Sambalpur, where a girl stays with her biological parents until she matures, after which the Ganthli-Hita Niti marks her formal transition to her in-laws’ house.

Sitala Sasthi Yatra: The Role of Social Parents

Through the Ganthli-Hita Niti, Parbati’s biological ties are severed, and other families take on the roles of Kanya-Pita (father) and Kanya-Mata (mother), responsible for the marriage rituals, including Kanyadan (giving away of the bride).


The Patar-Pendi Ritual: Marriage Negotiations

Introduction to Patar-Pendi

The Patar-Pendi ritual takes place on the Jyestha Sukla Dwitiya Tithi and involves a marriage procession where Lord Shiva’s family visits Parbati’s social parents to finalize the marriage negotiations.

Marriage Fixation and Ritual Significance

The bride’s family (Parbati’s social parents) inquires about the groom (Shiva), and once satisfied, the marriage is fixed. This ritual reflects the fusion of religious and local social practices.

Also Read  Sital Sasthi Sambalpur 2025: Date, Timings & Festival Highlights

The Integration of Local Beliefs in Sitala Sasthi Yatra

Religious and Social Custom Blending

The Sitala Sasthi Yatra is a fusion of Saivism and Sambalpur’s indigenous practices. The rituals, such as Pindhani or Nirbandha, formalize the proposal for marriage between Siva and Parbati, showcasing the community’s devotion and social obligations tied to marriage.

The Gua-Gunda Niti: Inviting Deities

The Gua-Gunda Niti represents the formal invitation of all deities in Sambalpur to attend the wedding ceremony. This ritual underscores the integration of local and religious beliefs, uniting the community in the Yatra.

The Wedding Procession and Its Symbolism

The wedding on Panchami Tithi involves an elaborate procession where Siva travels to Parbati’s residence for the marriage. This represents the divine journey and union of Siva and Parbati, reflecting broader cosmic themes.


Cultural Performances and Folk Traditions

Cultural Performances at the Yatra

The Yatra includes folk performances like Dalkhai, Rasarkeli, and Bai-Nach, adding a distinctive local flavor. These performances, especially Bai-Nach, are deeply tied to the region’s cultural beliefs, such as seeking ‘Mukti’ or salvation.

The Role of Professional Dancers and Musicians

The participation of dancers and musicians from places like Kolkata, Raipur, and Nagpur adds to the grandeur of the event, drawing crowds from near and far to witness the cultural spectacle.


Modern Adaptations and Accessibility

Maintaining Cultural Integrity Amidst Expansion

Despite the growing town of Sambalpur, the Yatra remains deeply rooted in tradition, with the district administration ensuring safety and accessibility, while preserving the festival’s cultural and religious essence.

Media Coverage and Increased Popularity

With live coverage from media outlets such as All India Radio, Doordarshan, and social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook, the Sitala Sasthi Yatra has gained recognition beyond Sambalpur, making it an event that attracts national attention.


The Significance of Sital Sasthi Yatra

The Sitala Sasthi Yatra is not just a religious ceremony, but a cultural celebration that connects the people of Sambalpur to their heritage. The Yatra creates a sense of unity, community, and shared identity among the people, making it an important cultural event in the region.

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