Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday attended the Kartika Habisyali Brata 2025 at Brundabati Nivas near Narendra Kona in Puri, where he interacted with Habishyalis and lauded their devotion as a reflection of Odisha’s moral and cultural strength.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the month of Kartika holds a sacred place in Odia tradition as a time for self-restraint, compassion, and devotion. “For centuries, Odia women have observed the Habisha ritual with deep faith. Their devotion represents the spiritual resilience and cultural identity of our state,” he said.
Majhi announced that from next year, a dedicated digital registration system will be introduced for Habishyali women to facilitate medical and emergency services during the Kartika month.
Highlighting Puri’s spiritual importance, the Chief Minister said the city is not just a pilgrimage destination but a “living symbol of Odia faith and devotion.” He reiterated his government’s commitment to transforming Puri into a world-class religious city, adding that the recent decision to declare Puri as a Municipal Corporation is a significant step in that direction.
The Chief Minister informed that this year, the government arranged accommodation and food facilities for around 2,500 Habishyalis across five centers — Brundabati Nivas, Bagala Dharmashala, Railway Tourist Complex, Railway Kalyan Mandap, and Mochisahi Kalyan Mandap. The state spent ₹3.3 crore on these arrangements, an increase of ₹70 lakh over last year.
Majhi said the Kartika Brata Habishyali Scheme continues to be strengthened with the deployment of volunteers, police personnel, doctors, and support staff to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.
Concluding his speech, the Chief Minister urged everyone to follow the values of Jagannath Dharma, interacted personally with the Habishyalis to understand their needs, and posed for photographs with them.
Among those present were Puri MP Sambit Patra, Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Puri Sadar MLA Sunil Kumar Mohanty, Brahmagiri MLA Upasana Mahapatra, and District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida. Satyabadi MLA Om Prakash Mishra delivered the welcome address, while Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattnayak proposed the vote of thanks.
