Bhubaneswar/ Dhenkanal, Jun 18: Bhubaneswar has turned into a vibrant centre of devotion and celebration as preparations reached their final stage on Thursday for Shital Sasthi, the annual festival commemorating the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The historic Lingaraj Temple and Kedar Gouri Temple have been decked up with elaborate floral decorations and colourful illumination ahead of the celestial wedding ceremony. As per temple traditions, the sacred 'Hataganthi' (tying of the wedding knot) of the divine couple will be performed after midnight.

Invitation Rituals Completed At Lingaraj Temple
On Wednesday night, following the 'Sandhya Dhupa' rituals at the Lingaraj Temple, servitors formally invited Goddess Ashtachandi to participate in the divine wedding celebrations.

As part of the traditional invitation ceremony, floral offerings, sandalwood paste, bael leaves and Mahaprasad were offered to the Goddess. The ritual marked the formal commencement of the wedding proceedings.

Meanwhile, at the Kedar Gouri Temple, the ceremonial 'Mangana Niti' and 'Akhanda Nama Yajna' were completed, paving the way for the arrival of Lord Lingaraj's wedding procession.

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Grand Baraat To Leave Lingaraj Temple Tonight
The temple premises and the wedding altar have been lavishly decorated with floral arches, ceremonial pots and traditional embellishments for the grand occasion.

According to temple authorities, the movable idol of Lord Lingaraj will be dressed in traditional groom's attire before the wedding procession begins at around 11 pm tonight.

Accompanied by traditional musical troupes, decorative lighting and thousands of devotees, the procession will travel through Badheibanka Chhak, Tinimundia Chhak and Ekamra Van before reaching the Kedar Gouri Temple.

As per the auspicious timing fixed by temple astrologers, the divine wedding rituals, including the Hataganthi ceremony, will be conducted between midnight and 3:15 am on Friday.

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Kapilas Gears Up For 'Shiva Bibaha' Celebrations
Shital Sasthi festivities are also being celebrated with religious fervour at the renowned Kapilas Shiva Temple in Dhenkanal district.

Preparations have been completed at the Sri Baladevjew Temple premises in Deogaon, the traditional wedding venue of Lord Chandrasekhar. Decorative arrangements, illumination and ceremonial setups have been put in place for the occasion.


Lord Chandrasekhar will be taken in a grand palanquin procession from the Chandan Mandap to the wedding venue amid traditional music and dazzling light displays. As per long-standing tradition, Lord Gopinath will ceremonially welcome the procession on its way.

Thousands Of Devotees Expected
The sacred wedding rituals at Kapilas will begin after the deity reaches the venue, with the divine Hataganthi ceremony scheduled around 1 am on Friday.