The Odisha government on Saturday declared a financial assistance of Rs 1.8 crore for the celebrations of the upcoming annual Sital Sasthi festival in Sambalpur district, officials said.
Following instructions from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department will extend the financial support for the festival, which celebrates the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
According to an official release, a total sum of Rs 1.8 crore will be distributed among 21 distinct festival committees across the district for this year’s celebrations.
Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said that Sital Sasthi represents vibrant celebrations of the state’s deep-rooted traditions, spiritual values, and cultural heritage.
He emphasised the state administration’s dedication to safeguarding and fostering these heritage events, noting that the financial aid will elevate the grandeur and scale of the festival while projecting Odisha’s unique cultural identity onto national and international stages.
The festival will be observed on June 20.
Taking to X, CM Majhi said, “Sambalpur’s Ganaparb, Shital Shasthi, is a living symbol of our culture and traditions. To celebrate this sacred festival of Shiva-Parvati’s marriage with greater grandeur and enthusiasm, our government has decided to provide financial assistance of 1 crore 8 lakh rupees to various festival committees in Sambalpur. This is our effort towards the preservation as well as promotion and propagation of our rich art, culture, and spiritual traditions. This grant provided by the state government will not only take the glory of Shital Shasthi to the global stage but also further strengthen our identity.”
