Bhubaneswar: In a heartfelt gesture to honor the tradition of Kartik brat, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi distributed essential items to hundreds of women gathered at the Puri Jagannath Temple from various districts of Odisha. The initiative aims to support these mothers as they participate in the sacred ritual, with the gifts including sarees, chadars, utriyas, Rai Damodar brat books, and dry Mahaprasad.
To ensure a comfortable experience, accommodations have been arranged for approximately 3,000 women attending the event. Speaking to the gathering, Chief Minister Majhi expressed his gratitude and said, “This feels like giving a gift to my own mother. I hope you find these items useful while observing the brat.”
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of the women’s well-being during their stay. He directed district administrations to provide adequate care and support throughout the month, encouraging participants to enjoy their spiritual journey by having darshan of the Lord, savoring Mahaprasad, and listening to hymns. Medical arrangements have been set up to ensure healthcare services are available to the attendees.
“It is vital that you remain healthy and happy. Pray to the Lord for the prosperity and development of your families and our state,” Majhi said, highlighting his commitment to the health of the devotees.
Addressing concerns raised by unregistered Habishyalis, the Chief Minister assured the women that he had directed relevant authorities to address any issues swiftly. He expressed confidence that all problems would be resolved in a timely manner.
Majhi noted that as the number of devotees continues to grow, it is essential to implement reforms to facilitate their experience. “Our main goal is to ensure a seamless darshan for all devotees,” he emphasized.
To further support the needs of the Habishyalis, a dedicated facility named Bandavati Bhawan has been established this year. In addition, three other centers—Akshay Pan Foundation, Bagla Dharmachaya, and Mochi Sahi Kalyan Mandap—will accommodate registered participants, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience during the Kartik brat season.