Bhubaneswar: The Puri district administration has made elaborate preparations to accommodate 2,500 Habisyalis—women, mostly widows—who will arrive in the holy city to observe the sacred “Rai Damodar Brata” during the upcoming Kartika month.
According to District Magistrate Dibya Jyoti Parida, special Habisyali Kendras will be set up at four locations: Brundabati Niwas, Bagala Dharmasala, Puri Municipality Kalyan Mandap, and the Railway Tourist Complex. These centers are being readied to offer comfortable accommodation and other essential services.
“Priority will be given to those registering for the first time. The online registration process will commence on September 19 at 10 am,” said Parida while briefing the media on Tuesday.
The selection process will follow a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible applicants must be women—widows or married—up to 70 years of age and in good health. A dedicated medical team will be deployed at the centers to conduct health checks and provide support.
In addition to boarding and lodging, arrangements have been made for darshan of Lord Jagannath and His siblings, access to Mahaprasad, and spiritual observance of the Kartika rituals.
The district administration has also coordinated with various departments to ensure a smooth experience:
- The police department will oversee security arrangements.
- The Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) department will ensure uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water.
- The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) will manage temple access and crowd control.
- The Regional Transport Office (RTO) will regulate vehicle movement.
- The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) will provide round-the-clock medical facilities.
The comprehensive planning reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and spiritually enriching Kartika observance for all Habisyalis.
