Odisha CM meets Habishyalis at camp in Puri on ‘Kartika Somabar’

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paid a visit on Monday to the Habishyali camp at Brundabati Nivas in Puri pilgrimage town, marking the auspicious occasion of ‘Kartika Somabar’—a significant first Monday during the holy month of Kartika.

Also Read: Kartik Brata in Puri: Online registration to begin for 2,500 Habisyalis

CM Majhi participated in a religious festival organised at Brundabati Nivas and took time to interact with the Habishyalis—devout women undertaking month-long rituals and spiritual practices. His visit showcased the State government’s support and respect for age-old traditions that draw thousands of women pilgrims to Puri each year.

The district administration formally welcomed the Chief Minister along with local MPs and MLAs, honouring them as part of the ceremonial proceedings. The atmosphere became vibrant, with chants of “Huluhuli” and “Haribol” filling the air, adding a spiritual rhythm to the gathering.

This visit not only highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of the Kartika month but also reaffirmed the Government’s engagement with grassroots religious practices.

“Like every year, and acting on the directives of the State government, accommodation and other arrangements have been made by the Puri district administration for around 2,500 Habishyali mothers. Requisite accommodations were planned at Brundabati Nivas and four other designated locations,” the CM said.

Worth mentioning, five designated accommodation centres (Habishyali camps) for this year have been developed at Brundabati Nivas near sacred Narendra Pond, Bagala Dharmasala, Municipality Kalyan Mandap, Mochisahi Kalyan Mandap, and Railway Tourist Complex.

The online applications of eligible widowed women up to 70 years of age and married women aged 50 to 70 years were previously sanctioned by the district administration.