Sitala Sasthi Yatra Festival

Sitala Sasthi Yatra, celebrated in Western Odisha, solemnizes the divine couple’s marriage, signifying the onset of the monsoon season. Dhanu Yatra, accorded National Festival status by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India, is performed in various places in Western Odisha, notably in Bargarh. It portrays episodes from the life of Lord Sri Krishna, including Krishna and Balaram’s visit to Mathura to witness the Dhanu Yatra Ceremony of King Kansa.

Odisha is a confluence of the Aryan, Dravidian, and Adivasi cultures, with most festivals, art, and cultural traditions in the state reflecting aspects of these diverse cultures. Sambalpur serves as the gateway to the enchanting western zone of Odisha, being the epicenter of a very high-profile and rich culture. Its art and culture encompass a unique blend of dance, music, handicrafts, beliefs, social values, and traditional practices.

The Department of Posts is pleased to issue a set of commemorative postage stamps on the Cultural Heritage of Western Odisha, acknowledging its rich culture and heritage, which positively influences the beliefs, traditions, and lifestyle of its people.