Shitala Shashti 2025: The sacred marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is celebrated on Sital Sasthi, also known as Shitala Shashti. It is usually observed in May or June, on the sixth day (Sasthi) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyestha.
The event, which is hailed as a spectacular celebration, brings together artists and people from all backgrounds to showcase vibrant customs and a positive environment. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists gather in Sambalpur, Odisha, to see the elaborate rituals and colorful parades that mark the culmination of the festivities. Shitala Shashti will be observed on May 31, 2025, this year.
See below for all the important information on this honored event:
When and Where Shitala Shashti 2025 Will Take Place Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
– Shashti Tithi Starts at 8:15 p.m. on May 31, 2025
Shashti Tithi concludes on June 1, 2025, at 8:00 PM.
Shitala Shashti 2025: 11:51 AM–12:47 PM for Shubh and Abhijit Muhurats
Amrit Kaal: from 02:49 to 04:23
– Ravi Yog: June 1, 09:07 PM to 05:24 AM
The Importance of Shitala Shashti 2025
According to the Shiv Purana, the ancient festival of Sital Sasthi honors the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Legend has it that Parvati, a form of Goddess Sati, obtained Lord Shiva as her husband by undergoing intense penance and devotion via tap (austerities) and jap (chanting). Deeply moved by her devotion, Lord Shiva returned her love, and on the day of Jyestha Shukla Paksha Sasthi, they became one in heaven. This day, which symbolizes the victory of faith, perseverance, and inner strength, is considered very auspicious.
The birth of Lord Kartikeya, who later slew the demon Tarakasura and restored peace and harmony, is associated with Sital Sasthi. Because it coincides with the start of the monsoon season, the celebration is affectionately known as the “Monsoon Wedding” of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Shiva’s intense austerity symbolizes the stifling summer heat, but his marriage with Parvati symbolizes the arrival of rain, which is revitalizing and invigorating. With great fervor, farmers and worshipers celebrate this event, welcoming the showers that revitalize the soil and emphasizing the seasonal and spiritual significance of this holy bond.
Rituals for Shitala Shashti 2025
The marriage ceremony between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is commemorated on Sital Sasthi. Called the ‘Sital Sasthi Yatra Festival,’ it is celebrated for five days in Sambalpur. A local family is chosen to represent Parvati’s parents at this festival, and they give her hands in marriage to Shiva. Since ‘Swayam Bhu’ is the name given to Lord Shiva, no one takes on the role of his parents.
“Patra Pendi” day is the name given to the first day of the celebration. The chosen family welcomes Parvati on this day. Two days later, the statue of Goddess Parvati arrives at her adoptive parents’ house. According to a ceremonial custom, the bride, who represents Goddess Parvati, is carried in a lavish procession throughout the night for the wedding ceremony from this selected home. Likewise, Lord Shiva and other Hindu deities and goddesses show up at the wedding ceremony site. Lord Hanuman and Lord Narsimha lead this holy procession.
For this holy wedding ceremony, every custom and tradition is followed. Worshippers from neighboring states and beyond watch the festivities. After the rites, the holy couple embarks on their “Nagar Parikrama” tour through the town the next evening. This event is often called the “Sital Sasthi Yatra.” This carnival’s major attractions include traditional dance, music, and related activities. Many ‘Hijaras’ or ‘Eunuchs’ get together to participate in the celebrations during this wedding occasion. The reason for this is because Lord Shiva was also known as “Ardhanarishwara,” which means “half man, half woman.”
