Odisha gears up for holy Kartika month: A time of faith, fasting and devotion

As the auspicious month of Kartika draws near, Odisha readies itself for a period of deep spirituality, ritual observance, and cultural vibrancy. Known as the holiest month in the Hindu calendar, Kartika is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, and holds immense significance for devotees who observe strict religious vows, charity, and fasting during this sacred time.

From temples adorned with lights to river ghats filled with the fragrance of incense and chants, the entire state transforms into a devotional landscape. For many Odias, Kartika is not merely a religious observance, it is a way of life that symbolises purity, faith, and the triumph of devotion over indulgence.

When The Holy Month Begins…

The month of Kartika usually falls between October and November, beginning the day after Laxmi Puja and concluding with Kartika Purnima, the full moon day. According to the Hindu calendar, it is considered the most auspicious month for worshipping Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

Devotees across Odisha adopt a vegetarian lifestyle during this period, refraining from non-vegetarian food. Many also opt out onions and garlic during the sacred month. Many people also undertake vows of celibacy and austerity, dedicating their days to prayer, cleanliness, and charity.

Religious Significance And Rituals

Kartika is often described as the month of penance and devotion. Each Monday during this month holds special significance for devotees of Lord Shiva, who observe fasts and offer prayers at temples, especially the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar and Loknath Temple in Puri and Dhabaleswar in Cuttack.

For Vaishnavites, the month is equally sacred as it honours Lord Vishnu. Temples like Jagannath Temple in Puri and Ananta Vasudeva Temple witness a surge of devotees during this time.

Habisyalis: The Devout Widows Of Kartika

One of the most striking features of the Kartika observance in Odisha is the presence of Habisyalis, widowed women, who travel from across the state to Puri to lead a life of spiritual discipline for an entire month.

They follow a strict routine, eating only once a day, a simple meal known as Habisa Anna, prepared without spices. They spend their days in prayer, visiting temples, and taking holy dips in sacred tanks like Narendra Pushkarini, Swetaganga, and Markandeya Pokhari.

The Puri district administration and police make special arrangements every year for their accommodation and safety, with designated lodging centres and round-the-clock security.

Also Read: Devotees to get free ‘Mahaprasad’ at Puri Jagannath temple soon: Odisha Law Minister

Kartika Purnima: The Grand Conclusion

The holy month culminates with Kartika Purnima, the full moon day considered the most auspicious of all. On this day, devotees take early morning baths in rivers, ponds, or the sea and offer diyas (lamps) to the holy waters, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

The sight of tiny boats made of banana bark or paper, carrying lamps, flowers, and betel leaves, floating on the rivers and ponds at dawn is one of Odisha’s most beautiful spiritual spectacles.

Bali Yatra: Remembering Odisha’s Maritime Glory

Kartika Purnima also marks the beginning of the famous Bali Yatra, celebrated in Cuttack. The festival commemorates the ancient maritime legacy of Odisha’s Sadhabas, traders and sailors, who once sailed to Southeast Asian countries like Bali, Java, and Sumatra for trade and cultural exchange.

People float symbolic paper boats in memory of those voyages while the Bali Yatra fair, one of Asia’s largest open-air trade fair, lights up Cuttack city with cultural performances, food stalls, and traditional crafts.

Also Read: Odisha’s ‘Bali Yatra’ to make historic debut in British Parliament this November

A Month of Faith and Reflection

Kartika month, often called the ‘month of salvation’, blends faith, simplicity, and community spirit. Whether it’s the solemn discipline of the Habisyalis, the devotion of Monday fasts, or the joyous floating of boats on Kartika Purnima, the observance reflects Odisha’s enduring connection between spiritual devotion and cultural identity.

As the lamps drift away on the water, they carry with them prayers for peace, purity, and prosperity, marking the end of one of Odisha’s most sacred and soul-stirring months.