Bhubaneswar: The stage is set for a grand and unforgettable celebration of Lord Lingaraj’s Sital Sasthi Festival on June 19 as the Bhubaneswar Sital Sasthi Committee is leaving no stone unturned to make the annual event a resounding success.
Addressing a press conference at Kedar Gouri Gua Jhar in Old Town on Tuesday, committee president and former minister Suresh Routray said, “The newlywed divine couple—Lord Lingaraj and Goddess Parvati—will be taken in a massive ceremonial procession from Kedar Gouri Temple to Lingaraj Temple through Sital Sasthi Road near Gosagareswar Square, Tini Mundia Square, Badheibanka Sqaure and Mahakhela Square.”
Adding colour to vibrancy, this year, dance groups from outside the state will participate in the procession. They will join a rich array of traditional cultural groups such as Ghanta Badya group, Sambalpuri dance group, Pashumukha dance group, Dhemsa dance group, Ghumura dance group, Sabara Sabaruni dance group, Ranapa dance group, Dulduli dance group and Ghoda Nacha group.
Ekamra MLA Babu Singh informed media persons that it has been tentatively finalized that financial assistance will be provided to the committee so that the celebrations can be organised on a larger and more attractive scale.
It was also informed that an invitation has been extended to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi while several Ministers, MLAs, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor and Corporators are also expected to participate.
As part of the traditional rituals, Lord Lingaraj will be taken in a magnificent procession to nearby Kedar Gouri temple on June 18 night where the divine wedding ceremony will be solemnized. The following day, on June 19, the newlywed celestial couple will return to Lingaraj temple in an even more magnificent procession, marking the culmination of the festival.
The press conference was also attended by the committee’s working president Sanat Mishra, finance secretary Narayan Mohapatra, secretary Hemadri Mohapatra, Sangram Keshari Paikray, servitor Kedarnath Mohapatra and other members.
