Elaborate arrangements in Puri as thousands of Habisyalis arrive for holy Kartika month Photograph: (OTV)
The Puri Police and district administration have made elaborate security and accommodation arrangements for Habisyalis, widowed women devotees, who stay in Puri during the holy month of Kartika to observe spiritual austerities and rituals.
With thousands of devotees expected to arrive in the pilgrim town, special emphasis has been placed on safety, discipline, and basic amenities at all lodging centres.
According to official sources, five key accommodation centres have been prepared for the Habisyalis- Brundabati Nibas, Narendra Kona, Railway Kalyan Mandap, Bagala Dharmashala, and Mochisahi Municipality Kalyan Mandap. Each centre has been equipped with essential facilities such as drinking water, sanitation, and round-the-clock security arrangements.
To ensure smooth management, an Additional SP has been assigned to oversee the overall arrangements, supported by six Inspectors and six Sub-Inspectors who will be deployed at the Habisyali camps. Police personnel will remain stationed at every lodging site to ensure order and address any emergencies promptly.
Anticipating large gatherings of devotees at major holy tanks such as Narendra Pushkarini, Swetaganga, Markandeya Tank, and Indradyumna Pond, the administration has also deployed dedicated police teams at each location to manage the crowd and maintain safety.
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Speaking to the media, the Superintendent of Police said that the department has taken all necessary measures to ensure that devotees can observe their rituals peacefully and without inconvenience. Continuous patrolling and strict monitoring will be carried out across the city to ensure a secure and serene environment throughout the holy month.