Kartika Month in Odisha: Devotion, Rituals, and the Spirit of Bali Yatra
As the holy month of Kartika begins, Odisha transforms into a spiritual haven, echoing centuries-old traditions of faith, fasting, and devotion.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, Kartika is revered as the most sacred month in the Hindu calendar, observed with unwavering discipline and purity.
From Bhubaneswar to Puri, temples glow with devotion as thousands of worshippers engage in daily prayers, abstain from non-vegetarian food, and embrace vows of celibacy and cleanliness.
Mondays, known as Kartika Somabar, draw massive crowds to Shiva temples like Lingaraj, Loknath, and Dhabaleswar, while Vaishnavites flock to Jagannath and Ananta Vasudeva temples.
A poignant tradition unfolds in Puri, where widowed women known as Habisyalis undertake a month-long spiritual retreat.
Living simply and eating only once a day, they immerse themselves in prayer, temple visits, and holy dips in sacred ponds. The district administration ensures their comfort and safety, reinforcing Odisha’s commitment to preserving spiritual heritage.
The month culminates in Kartika Purnima, a day of divine celebration marked by early morning river dips and the floating of diyas—symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.
This day also launches Bali Yatra, Cuttack’s iconic trade and cultural fair honouring ancient maritime traders. Miniature boats made of banana bark and paper sail across waters, paying tribute to Odisha’s seafaring legacy.
Kartika is more than a religious observance—it’s a cultural symphony of devotion, simplicity, and community spirit, illuminating Odisha’s spiritual soul.
