Odisha government allocates Rs 3.30 crore for Puri pilgrims

The Odisha government, through the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, has sanctioned Rs 3.30 crore to support devotees observing the Kartika Brata in Puri. The funds are designated to assist Habisyalis, primarily elderly women, who gather in the holy town for the month-long religious ritual dedicated to Lord Jagannath.

The allocation will cover essential facilities including secure accommodation at designated centers, the distribution of Mahaprasad, and the organization of devotional activities such as bhajans and kirtans. To facilitate daily rituals, the administration has arranged dedicated transportation to carry pilgrims to the Srimandir for darshan.

Additional support measures include the deployment of trained volunteers, enhanced sanitation drives, uninterrupted power and water supplies, and the presence of medical assistance teams to ensure the safety and comfort of the devotees during their spiritual observances.