Goilundi Shiva Mandira Sitala Sasthi(Berhampur) ଗୋଇଲୁଣ୍ଡି ଶୀତଳ ଷଷ୍ଠୀ ଯାତ୍ରା ରୋ ଶୋଭାଯାତ୍ରା

Shitalasasthi also known as Sital sasthi is celebrated as the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, a major festival of Utkal Brahmins (commonly called as Odia brahmans) and Aranyaka Brahmins (commonly called as Jhadua brahmans) since ages. It was started 400 years ago in Sambalpur after the king of Sambalpur brought Utkal Srotriya Vaidika Brahmins from brahmin sasana villages of Puri district. The localities of Nandapada are the oldest of these Brahmins. They first started Sitalsasti Utsav. This Hindu festival is in the form of a carnival where people and artists from different walks of life participate making it more beautiful and bringing out the true colours of life. Every year it is celebrated towards the end of the summer season (sixth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Jyestha),the aim being to call the rain Gods to give reprieve from the scorching heat of the Sun. During the carnival period, Sambalpur attracts tourists from nearby states and abroad also.

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. 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.