Mahadev Vivah (Mahadev Bibah Panchami) is the auspicious day on which the wedding of Lord Mahadev (Shiva) and Goddess Parvati is observed in Odisha. In 2022, Mahadev Vivah date is June 4.
Sitala Sasthi is a famous carnival in Sambalpur in Odisha. The carnival was started more than 400 years ago.
Mahadev Vivah
One nominated family acts as the father and mother of Parvati, and offers the hands of Parvati for marriage with Shiva. Since Shiva is ‘Swayam Bhu’ no one acts as his father and mother.
Shiva starts his marriage procession along with other Gods and Goddesses from his temple. Hanuman and Nrusingha(Nrisimha) takes charge and leads the procession to the bride’s residence. The family of the Goddesses welcome the barat procession (as we do in our marriages).
The idols are kept in a beautifully decorated palanquin, the father and mother and other relatives of Parvati performs the ‘Kanyadana’ and the marriage is solemnised. The next day the procession returns to the temple (Mandir Pravesh) with Parvati. Folk dance, folk music, different forms of other dances and music & different floats are the main attraction of this carnival.