About this stamp
Cultural Heritage of Western Odisha Stamps: A Tribute to Tradition
The Department of Posts has issued a special set of commemorative postage stamps honoring the cultural heritage of Western Odisha—a land where Aryan, Dravidian, and Adivasi traditions converge. These stamps capture the soul of Odisha, highlighting its festivals, art, crafts, and folk culture that continue to shape the identity of the region.
Sitala Sasthi Yatra – The Divine Wedding
Sitala Sasthi Yatra is a sacred festival of Western Odisha that celebrates the celestial marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Observed on the sixth day of the Jyestha month (Shukla Paksha), this festival transforms towns into vibrant wedding venues, with rituals, processions, and community celebrations.
Devotees believe Lord Shiva represents the scorching summer heat, while Goddess Parvati symbolizes the first monsoon rains. Their holy union, solemnised during Sitala Sasthi, is seen as an invocation for a good monsoon and agricultural prosperity.
This festival is not just a spiritual occasion—it is a cultural extravaganza where the entire community participates in the divine wedding, reinforcing the spirit of devotion, harmony, and collective joy.
