Puri: The online registration process for Habisyalis, women who want to observe Kartika Brata in Odisha’s Puri, began on Friday.
The application link has been activated on edistrict.odisha.gov.in. Habisyalis intending to observe the Radha Damodar Kartika brata during the holy month at government expenses need to register their names online.
Officials said priority will be given to those applying for the first time. The registration link will remain active until all 2,500 slots are filled. Once the limit is reached, no further applications will be accepted.
The devotees, mostly widowed and married women, will be provided free accommodation, Mahaprasad meals and exclusive darshan of Lord Jagannath during their stay in the pilgrim town of Puri.
According to Puri Collector 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 centres are being readied to offer comfortable accommodation and other essential services.
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 centres to conduct health checks and provide support.
Apart from boarding and lodging, arrangements have been made for darshan of Lord Jagannath and His siblings in the 12th century shrine, access to Mahaprasad, and spiritual observance of the Kartika rituals.
