TV
Coinciding with the start of the sacred Kartika month, the newly formed BJP government in the State has granted Rs 2.75 crore for Habisyalis in Puri. Besides, elaborate arrangements are being made as hundreds of habisyalis have started landing in Puri to observe the holy Kartika Brata, a month-long ritual.
Apart from secure accommodation, all kinds of facilities and support will be provided to the Habisyalis throughout the holy Kartika month, informed BJP minister Suryashulhi Suraj. Arrangements have also been made for free food (mahaprasad), transportation to and from the Srimandir, and the healthcare facilities for the habisyalis.
Special programmes and kirtans have also been scheduled in Puri for the habisyalis.
Worth mentioning, Kartika is considered a holy month in the Hindu calendar. Elderly women and widows perform Radha Damodar Puja and eat only once a day during Kartika month and remain engaged in religious activities.
Every year thousands of elderly women from across the state congregate in Puri and observe 'Kartika Brata' by worshipping the 'Tulsi' plant and visiting Lord Jagannath temple. The women performing "Habisa" avoid eating vegetables like gourds, brinjal, a number of pulses and other leafy vegetables for the whole month.
