Mahadev Shiva Bibaha Panchami, also known as Shiva Vivah
Panchami, is the divine wedding of Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is observed
during the Shitala
Sasthi festival in Odisha, especially in Sambalpur. In 2024, the date of Mahadev
Vivah Panchami is June 11.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva after the death of Goddess
Sati started leading the life of an ascetic and lost interest in worldly life.
Finally, the intense austerities performed by Goddess Parvati changed the mind
of Shiva and he became a family man. Mahadev Vivaha Panchami celebrates the
union of Mahadev Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
On the Mahadev Vivaha Panchami day, Bhagavan Shiva, the
bridegroom, arrives for the marriage ceremony to the house of Goddess Parvati
along with other gods and goddesses in Hindu pantheon.
Bajrangbali Hanuman and
Narasimha lead the divine procession. All the rituals that are part of normal
marriage ceremony in Odisha are followed for the divine wedding.
The divine wedding is held on the fifth day during the
waxing phase of moon in the month of Jaishta (May – June).