Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday launched ‘Habishyali Kartika Brata 2023’ scheme through video conferencing.
5T and Nabin Odisha chairman VK Pandian conducted the program.
Following the launch, habishyalis welcomed the scheme and three of them interacted with the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister directed Puri district administration to ensure that the devotees complete their fast smoothly throughout the holy month of ‘Kartika’.
Elaborate arrangements have been made for more than 3,000 pilgrims in the habishyali camps located at five places in Puri. Besides, adequate measures would be taken for their darshan, stay, mahaprasad consumption, bhajans, kirtan, healthcare and so on, a government notification said.
Puri district administration has deployed office bearers of Self Help Groups (SHGs) consisting women and several NGOs to provide necessary services to the pilgrims.
Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Tourism Minister Ashwini Kumar Patra, Puri and Nimapada MLAs, RDC (central region) Suresh Chandra Dalai, Puri Collector and chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) along with other officials were present at the event.
Notably, ‘Kartika Brata’ is observed for the whole month and is an important ritual in this month which include partial fasting and reading ‘Kartika Mahatmya’ from Padma Purana. Large number of pilgrims, particularly widows throng Puri to pay obeisance to Lord Jagannath and carry out their Kartika Brata rituals.
PNN