Puri: Kartika Niti started in Jagannath Temple here on Saturday.
Lord Jagannath will give darshan to devotees in Radha Damodara Vesha from the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Ashwina to the 10th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.
Along with three dhupas (Bhoga), one more special dhupa will be offered to the Lord during this period. This special dhupa is called Bala Dhupa. It will be offered to the deities till Kartika Purnima.
Bala Dhupa is prepared with Chuda (flattened rice), khai, coconut, and fruits.
With Kartika month beginning October 25, the Puri Administration also reviewed the arrangements for ‘habisyalis’ (women who observe fast during the month). District collector Jyoti Prakash Das chaired the meeting.
District Tourist Officer, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) and Deputy Collector were present.
Notably, women stay in Puri for a month and visit Jagannath Temple every day while observing fast during the Kartika month.
According to official sources, the meeting reviewed and discussed free accommodation, ‘Mahaprasad Sevana’, and healthcare facilities for about 2,500 ‘habisyalis’.
They will be accommodated at Mochi Sahi Kalyan Mandap in the railway complex, and in a building at JE Road, while facility for bathing will be provided near Narendra Puskrini.
They will be provided transportation to visit the temple every day. The district administration would provide all facilities for comfortable stay of the ‘habisyalis’. Mattress, bed sheets, pillows, drinking water, food, and healthcare facilities will also be provided.
The ‘habisyalis will, however, be allowed inside temple only after proper identification.
