Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has sanctioned Rs 3.30 crore to ensure proper facilities and logistical support for Habishyali brata in Puri.
The Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department has approved the fund to help a large number of women who have arrived in Puri to observe the religious ritual in the month of Kartika.
The fund will be utilised to ensure safe accommodation at designated Habishyali centres, facilitate darshan of Lord Jagannath, provide Mahaprasad and organise bhajan-kirtan and other cultural programmes.
Arrangements have also been put in place for transportation, deployment of volunteers, crowd management, sanitation, drinking water and uninterrupted electricity supply so that devotees do not face any inconvenience during their stay.
BJD alleges mistreatment of elderly women
However, BJD criticised the state government over alleged mistreatment of elderly women observing the Kartik brata in Puri.
“Respecting elders, especially the elderly women who come to observe Kartik Brata, should be a priority. The people of Odisha have seen how hundreds of elderly women devotees who had come to Puri for the religious observance were treated badly, pushed and abused,” BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said.
He added that no amount of financial assistance from the government could restore dignity and respect of the elderly devotees. He advised that the state government should make adequate arrangements keeping needs of senior citizens in mind, and ensure those managing the facilities treat them with respect.