Bhubaneswar, April 20 -- The preparatory process for the annual Sital Sasthi festival will begin on Monday in Sambalpur. The traditional rituals of Thala Utha and the selection of the bride's parents for the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati will also be conducted.

In various Shiva temples across Sambalpur, Thala Utha rituals will be performed following traditional customs and puja practices. Alongside these rituals, the process of collecting contributions for the festival will also commenced.

As per tradition, Akshaya Tritiya marks the beginning of preparations for Sital Sasthi, including the ceremonial selection of the parents of Goddess Parvati for the divine wedding.

From Monday, the selected parents of the bride wi...