The occasion of Sitalsasthi or Sitala Sasthi is around the corner and the people of the Utkal Brahmins community are excited to celebrate the festive event. The Hindu festival celebrated on June 15th this year, commemorates the auspicious event of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s divine marriage. Sitalsasthi is celebrated across the country, but it's quite dear to Sambalpur district, Orissa since this district has a history with Shiva and Shakti Worship. The festivities of Sitalsasthi full of grandeur and the festival is celebrated in the form of carnival. People across the country celebrate Sitalsasthi with fervour and pomp. To find out more about the festival of Sitalsasthi 2021 – its date, muhurat, fasting rules, puja vidhi, rituals, significance, and more, then look no further; In this article, we bring you everything you need to know about this auspicious event.  

What is the date of Sitalsasthi 2021?

The festive event of Sitalsasthi is observed on the 6th day (sasthi) during the Shukla Paksha in the holy month of Jyestha as per the Hindu Samwat calendar. As per the Gregorian calendar, the festival of Sitalsasthi falls between the period of May-June. Hence, the holy occasion of Sitalsasthi will take place on June 15, this year, i.e., Tuesday.

What is the shubh muhurat (auspicious timing) of Sitalsasthi 2021?

Here are the Important Timings on Sitalsasthi:

  • Sunrise: June 15, 2021, from 5:45 AM

  • Sunset: June 15, 2021, till 7:09 PM

  • Shasthi Tithi Begins: June 15, 2021, 10:57 PM

  • Sunset Tithi Ends: June 16, 2021, 10:46 PM

What are the fasting rules, puja vidhi, and other rituals of Sitalsasthi?

There are devotees, who follow the Sitalsasthi rituals religiously. During this time, people are advised to stay in their homes, wake up early on a festive day and take bath before/during sunrise. They clean their home temples and offer the deities of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati fresh flowers, flowers, etc. among other holy items.

Special prayers and mantras are chanted with great vigour to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. A lot of devotees also observe the holy Sitalsasthi Vrat. In parts of the state, the festival is observed as a real marriage. It is widely believed that the nuptials beckons a good monsoon season since Lord Shiva Symbolizes the Summer and Parvati the Firsts showers. The entire period of Sitalsasthi is celebrated extravagantly, just like a carnival.

What is the significance of Sitalsasthi?

The occasion of Sitalsasthi holds cultural significance in different cultures. It is mentioned in the Shiv Purana that the day of Sitalsasthi was the day on which Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati tied the knot. Later, it was on this day, when Kartikeya was born to the divine couple, who went on to slay the demon named Tarakasura. The festival is celebrated at large by the farmers. 

As June 15 nears, we at LatestLY, wish you all a very Happy Sitalsasthi 2021. Do share this amazing piece of information about Sitalsasthi with your loved ones, and enlighten them about this important festive event.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 15, 2021 09:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).