Kartika Month Arrangements in Puri: Thousands of Habisyalis Arrive for Rituals

Puri, — As the sacred Kartika month begins, the Puri district administration and police have rolled out extensive arrangements to welcome thousands of Habisyalis—widowed women devotees who observe a month-long period of prayer, fasting, and spiritual discipline in the holy city.

To accommodate the influx, five key lodging centres have been prepared: Brundabati Nibas, Narendra Kona, Railway Kalyan Mandap, Bagala Dharmashala, and Mochisahi Municipality Kalyan Mandap. Each facility is equipped with clean drinking water, sanitation services, uninterrupted power supply, and round-the-clock police protection.

Security has been tightened across the city, with an Additional Superintendent of Police overseeing operations, supported by six Inspectors and six Sub-Inspectors.

Police personnel are stationed at all lodging centres and major holy ponds—including Narendra Pushkarini, Swetaganga, Markandeya Tank, and Indradyumna Pond—where devotees gather for daily rituals.

Control rooms and mobile patrol units have been activated to monitor crowd movement, prevent congestion, and respond swiftly to emergencies.

Authorities emphasised their commitment to maintaining a peaceful and spiritually uplifting environment throughout the month.

The Kartika observance in Puri remains one of Odisha’s most revered traditions, drawing thousands of women in pursuit of devotion and inner peace.