Holy month of Kartika begins in Odisha; Habishyalis throng Temples

ONI Bureau:   As the month long Kartika brata begins today with the beginning of the Holy month of Kartik, thousands of habishayalis (Kartika Brata Devotees) thronged several temples including Puri Srimandir and Lingaraj temple.

Reportedly, services like food and accomodation will be provided to around 2,500 Habishyalis at four places in Puri town– Railway Jatri Niwas, Railway Kalyan Mandap, Jagannath Ballav Bakhyan Kendra and Municipality Kalyan Mandap.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is scheduled to inaugurate the shelter facilities for Habisyalis today.

It is believed that there is no other month as Kartik. Kartik is the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar.

All Monday of the sacred month ‘Kartika’ is regarded as the most holy day of sacred month ‘Kartika’ for visiting Lord Shiva.

The last five days of the sacred month Kartika observed by the devotees is ‘Panchuka’.