Habishyalis Throng Srikshetra As Holy Kartika Month Begins

Puri: As the holiest of all months in the Hindu Calendar– Kartika began on Monday, Puri is all geared up for the month-long Kartika Brata with Habisyalis (women who observe fast during the month).

Thousands of Habisyalis from across the State and outside thronged Puri Srimandir to begin the observance. This year Puri district administration has set up five camps for Habisyalis. Around 2935 registered Habisyalis have been accommodated in these camps.

The Habishyalis believe that taking a pre-dawn bath at the ‘Pancha Tirtha’ followed by worship of Lord Raidamodar and other rituals during the holy month will bestow them with ultimate salvation.

This year Puri district administration has set up five camps for Habisialis. The programme is organised this year after a gap of two years. It was suspended on account of the Covid pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

Notably, widows stay in Puri for a month and visit Jagannath Temple daily while observing the fast. Puri administration has arranged for accommodation, Mahaprasada, and other puja essentials like Tulasi Choura, the worship place for the Habishaylis.