Devotees throng Puri Srimandir as special Kartik rituals begin; Holy Trinity adorns Radha Damodar Besha

The Kartik Niti (Kartik rituals) of Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities at the Srimandir in Puri commenced on the auspicious occasion of Ashwina Shukla Paksha on Wednesday.

The month is particularly important for the Habisyalis who observe Kartika Brata and worship Lord Jagannath in Radha Damodara Besha during the entire holy month of Kartik.

As per the schedule, Dwara Phita ritual was held in the morning following which other rituals were performed by the servitors. To mark the beginning of the holy Kartik month, Lord Jagannath will give darshan to devotees in Radha Damodara Besha.

Devotees will be allowed to have a glimpse of the Trinity from Bhitara Katha following the completion of Abakasha rituals every day this month, said a servitor.

As per tradition, a special bhoga called 'Bala Bhoga' is offered to the Lord and his siblings. Bala Bhoga is made of chuda (flattened rice), khai, coconut, and fruits. It will be offered to the deities till the end of Kartik month.

Kartik is the holiest of all the months in the Hindu lunar calendar and includes many religious events like 'Habisha', 'Baluka Puja', 'Panchuka', 'Kartika Purnima', 'Boita Bandana' and many more. It usually overlaps with the months of October and November in the English calendar.

This is the most awaited month of the year for Odias, particularly widows and women. Kartika Brata is observed for the whole month and important rituals in this month include partial fasting and reading the Kartika Mahatmya from Padma Purana.

During this period, a large number of pilgrims come to Puri to serve Lord Jagannath and carry out their Kartika Brata.