The holy month of Kartika, regarded as the holiest month in the Hindu calendar, commenced on Sunday, drawing Habisyalis to the pilgrim town of Puri in Odisha. Puri is now fully prepared for the month-long Kartika Brata, a period during which Habisyalis, predominantly women who observe fasts throughout the month, converge on the town. The state government has put extensive arrangements in place for the month-long stay of Habisyalis, which includes many widows, in Puri. These devotees will be accommodated in various locations, including Brundabati Niwas, Mochsahi Kalyan Mandal, a private foundation’s office building, Bagala Dharamsala, and Belgadia Dharamsala. To oversee these arrangements, five nodal officers have been appointed. In addition to providing accommodation, the government has organized free mahaprasad (a sacred meal) and healthcare facilities for the Habisyalis.
The district administration has meticulously organized accommodation, food, and health and safety arrangements for over 3,000 devotees in five Habishyali centers in Puri. Several voluntary organizations in Puri have also joined in by offering their services and support. In terms of security, a significant deployment of personnel is in place. This includes two additional Superintendents of Police, seven Deputy Superintendents, ten inspectors, 44 Sub-Inspectors, Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 70 constables, and 18 platoon forces to ensure law and order throughout the month. Furthermore, the administration has arranged for devotees to have darshan (a sacred viewing) of Lord Jagannath, distribution of Mahaprasad, listening to Kartik Mahatma (narratives of the Kartika month), and performing Bhajan Kirtan (devotional songs) in the temple.
The sacred month of Kartika follows Ashwina and is marked by significant festivals, including the five-day Diwali, Chhath Puja, and Kartik Purnima. Habisyalis will observe the Kartik Brata in accordance with tradition. They will take holy dips in various pilgrimage ponds and the sea, followed by the performance of Radhadamodara Puja, a customary religious ritual.
The holy month of Kartika, regarded as the holiest month in the Hindu calendar, commenced on Sunday, drawing Habisyalis to the pilgrim town of Puri in Odisha. Puri is now fully prepared for the month-long Kartika Brata, a period during which Habisyalis, predominantly women who observe fasts throughout the month, converge on the town. The state government has put extensive arrangements in place for the month-long stay of Habisyalis, which includes many widows, in Puri. These devotees will be accommodated in various locations, including Brundabati Niwas, Mochsahi Kalyan Mandal, a private foundation’s office building, Bagala Dharamsala, and Belgadia Dharamsala. To oversee these arrangements, five nodal officers have been appointed. In addition to providing accommodation, the government has organized free mahaprasad (a sacred meal) and healthcare facilities for the Habisyalis.
The district administration has meticulously organized accommodation, food, and health and safety arrangements for over 3,000 devotees in five Habishyali centers in Puri. Several voluntary organizations in Puri have also joined in by offering their services and support. In terms of security, a significant deployment of personnel is in place. This includes two additional Superintendents of Police, seven Deputy Superintendents, ten inspectors, 44 Sub-Inspectors, Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 70 constables, and 18 platoon forces to ensure law and order throughout the month. Furthermore, the administration has arranged for devotees to have darshan (a sacred viewing) of Lord Jagannath, distribution of Mahaprasad, listening to Kartik Mahatma (narratives of the Kartika month), and performing Bhajan Kirtan (devotional songs) in the temple.
The sacred month of Kartika follows Ashwina and is marked by significant festivals, including the five-day Diwali, Chhath Puja, and Kartik Purnima. Habisyalis will observe the Kartik Brata in accordance with tradition. They will take holy dips in various pilgrimage ponds and the sea, followed by the performance of Radhadamodara Puja, a customary religious ritual.
