Themes on Operation Sindoor, Pahalgam strike find space at Sital Sasthi celebrations
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Sambalpur: This year, the organisers of
Sital Sasthi
, which celebrates the wedding of
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
, in Sambalpur are making effigies based on
Operation Sindoor
and the victims of the
Pahalgam terror attack
which will be taken out during processions as part of the festival's celebrations on June 1.Every year, over 30 Sital Sasthi committees in Sambalpur prepare idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and effigies which are taken out in processions in the streets as part of deba darshan as devotees throng the streets.On Saturday night, Pakistan reportedly violated the ceasefire agreement reached between the two countries and launched a fresh attack and though no further violations have taken place, organisers have said that if anything untoward happens and the Centre does not permit a large gathering and procession, then they will just a symbolic marriage of the deities will be performed in the mandap without taking out a procession.Sameer Babu from the Nandapda committee said, "The Sital Sasthi celebrations will take place and if there are restrictions imposed by the govt, then it would be low-key affair focussing on just the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, like we did during the pandemic.
"The Jhaduapada Sital Sasthi committee is also in a dilemma about whether there will be a ban on grand celebrations. The committee is making models of fighter jets used in Operation Sindoor to honour the Army and their efforts in protecting citizens.Abhisekh Mishra, media coordinator of the committee, said, "Preparations are underway but of course the country comes first; we will follow all the instructions the govt provides at that point of time. We have a mandap ready and if required, we will only solemnise the marriage without taking out processions."Sudhir Bohidaar of Modipara committee said, "We have prepared a sketch of the Pahalgam attack and how the wife of a Navy officer was looking at her husband's lifeless body and of a terrorist carrying a gun and then will link it to Operation Sindoor. Though preparation of other effigies has started, this is a recent theme, hence, it will take some time to show the complete model."The committee members said the dance troupes from Punjab have cancelled their participation in the procession this time for safety reasons.
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