PURI: Ahead of the Kartik month, the State Government has extended assistance to around 2,000 devotees hailing from economically backward section to perform the month-long fast without any hassle. The devotees, particularly the elderly women, would be provided accommodation with basic amenities in the holy city.
Temporary shelters with facilities of drinking water, electricity, beds, toilets and health care would be provided. Camps will be installed at Bagala Dharamshalla, Kalyan Mandap at Mochisahi and at old ORT garage near Narendra Kona. Arrangements have been made to instal holy basil tree and Akash Deep (high mast dias) in the camps to facilitate worship. Hot water and blankets would also be provided.
Elderly devotees, particularly women, prefer to observe the month-long fast in Srikshetra, the abode of Lord Jagannath. As per the rituals, they take bath early in the morning and offer prayers to Lord Jagannath by moving around the holy basil tree. Every year, thousands of devotees come to the city from across the State to observe fast. Bookings can be made by October 7.