Puri: After a gap of two years, ‘Habisyalis’ started thronging Puri to observe month-long Karttika Brata beginning today. The district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the devotees to ensure smooth observance of the Brata.
Make-shift camps which had remained closed for last two years due to covid-induced lockdown, have started functioning this year. The administration has set up such camps at five different locations across the town.
‘Habisyalis’ have started arriving in the pilgrim town since Sunday. They are allowed to enter their respective camp on production of registration slip.
Some of them alleged that they are not in the list of district administration despite being registered before the due date.
The administration has made arrangements for around 3,000 Habisyalis this year. Till now, 2,935 have already registered through proper channel.
The administration is trying to make special arrangements for those who have not registered. Now, ‘Habisyalis’ having registration slip are getting priorities, district Collector said.
Every year, the State government provides free services to 2,500-3,000 devotees who observe the month-long ritual.
The registered devotees are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The State government bears all expenses of the ‘habisyalis’ including boarding, transportation from the camp to Sri Jagannath Temple and food, particularly mahaprasad .
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