Puri Welcomes Registered Habisyali Devotees Amid Tensions Over Accommodation Demands
Puri: The holy town of Puri has begun receiving thousands of devotees for the annual Kartik Habisyali observance, with district authorities extending a traditional welcome to registered participants at designated accommodation centres.
The arrangements mark the commencement of a month-long spiritual journey undertaken by devotees, particularly women, during the sacred Kartik month.
Based on details reported by Puri Welcomes Habisyali Mothers; Tensions Rise as Unregistered Devotees Demand Stay, the administration has put in place dedicated lodging facilities for verified Habisyali devotees.
More than 2,500 eligible devotees who successfully completed online registration and verification were allotted accommodation at Brundabati Niwas, Mochi Sahi Kalyan Mandap, and the Railway Tourist Complex.
Devotees were welcomed with flower garlands, sandalwood paste, and traditional huluhuli chants, reflecting Odisha’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
Officials stated that over 2,000 devotees had completed physical verification by Sunday evening.
Accommodation was allocated district-wise to streamline management and ensure smooth arrangements throughout the Kartik month.
However, the arrival of unregistered devotees led to a brief period of tension outside some accommodation centres.
Several devotees who had not completed the registration process demanded lodging facilities and attempted to enter Brundabati Niwas.
Police personnel and administrative officials intervened and restricted access to authorised participants to maintain order.
The administration now faces the challenge of managing the continued influx of pilgrims while ensuring that accommodation and other essential services remain available to registered devotees.
The Kartik Habisyali observance is one of the most significant annual religious practices associated with Lord Jagannath, drawing devotees from across Odisha and beyond.
Authorities have appealed to devotees to follow registration guidelines and cooperate with officials to ensure a peaceful and organised observance of the sacred month.
