Kartika Month Begins, 2,400 Habishyalis Arrive in Puri for Month-Long Brata

Puri: The holy month of Kartika began on Monday, drawing large crowds of devotees to Puri’s Srimandir to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath in his Radha Damodar Besha. Hundreds of Habishyalis have arrived in the pilgrim town to observe the month-long Habisha Brata.

The Puri district administration has made arrangements for accommodation, meals and darshan for around 2,400 Habishyalis at designated camps. A separate queue has been arranged at Srimandir to facilitate their darshan, while barricades have been installed near sacred ponds to ensure safety during ritual bathing.

Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida has urged volunteers to consider serving the Habishyalis a sacred duty and extend their cooperation. Meanwhile, 15 platoons of police personnel will be deployed to manage crowds and maintain security during the month-long observance, officials said.

However, the heavy rush at Srimandir has raised concerns among elderly devotees. An 81-year-old Habishyali appealed to the administration to introduce better arrangements to ensure safe and convenient darshan for senior citizens and women observing the Brata.

The Habisha Brata will continue until November 24, with devotees observing the month through prayers, rituals and religious practices.