PURI: The district administration has made arrangements to host 2,500 women devotees who will be observing the month-long Kartika Brata during the religious Hindu calendar month beginning October 25.
As on Tuesday, more than 2,500 habisiyalis (elderly women who observe austerity, food restriction and offer special puja during the month) have registered for availing provisions in government facilities. Last year the attendance of devotees in the government facility was less.
Besides the online bookings, women are also personally approaching the district officer in charge of accommodation seeking provision to observe the ‘brata.’On Tuesday, 20 octogenarian widows approached the district officer directly and pleaded ignorance about the government announcement of online registration. The organisers considered their plea and included them in the list, said sources.
Keeping in view the rough weather during October and November, the accommodation for women devotees has been arranged in Sri Jagannath Ballav mutt, Muncipality Kalyan Mandap, East Coast Railway tourist shelter and Bhakta Nivas.Administration would provide one Mahaprasad meal per day as prescribed in the texts for ‘brata’ observers while eight priests would be helping them perform their religious ceremonies in four camps like recitation of ‘Kartik Mahatmaya’ and ‘Bhagbat’ as per daily routine of ‘brata’ observers.
Considering the old age of the women gathering here, a team of doctors would be deployed to examine their health and if needed, provided the required medical care. Free transportation of devotees from their camps, located at distant places, would also be provided.
These apart, four senior officers would be in charge of the camps. No devotee would be allowed to leave the camp without informing the camp authority. Scores of teachers and ministerial staff would be placed on camp duty to look after their wellbeing for the entire month.Meanwhile, it is learnt that the administration is looking for some generous donors who would fund the cost of ‘mahaprasad’ for 2,500 devotees.
Arrangements
Accommodation: Sri Jagannath Ballav mutt, Muncipality Kalyan Mandap, East Coast Railway tourist shelter and Bhakta Nivas
Food: One ‘Mahaprasad’ meal per day as mentioned in the religious texts
Puja: Eight priests would be helping ‘habisiyalis’ perform their ‘brata’ rituals in four camps
Health: Docs to check the health of aging women
Transport: Free transport from distant camps