Puri, Odisha : As the sacred month of Kartika approaches, the Odisha government has announced the start of online registration for the Habisyali scheme from September 19, 2025. This initiative aims to provide free accommodation, meals, and access to spiritual activities for around 2,500 Habisyalis — elderly widows and married women observing the holy Rai Damodar Brata at Jagannath Dham in Puri.
Habisyali Scheme
The Habisyali scheme supports widowed and married women aged between 50 and 70 who are physically and mentally healthy. Beneficiaries receive free boarding and lodging, access to the darshan of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Mahaprasad, and opportunities to participate in the month-long Kartika rituals. This program is designed to encourage spiritual growth and community engagement during this important religious period.
Registration Information
- Start Date: September 19, 2025, from 10 AM
- Eligibility: Widows up to 70 years old, married women aged 50-70, in good health
- Mode of Registration: Online only via the official e-district portal at https://edistrict.odisha.gov.in
- Selection Process: Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to first-time applicants
Facilities and Support
Under the supervision of Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida, the district administration has set up four Habisyali Kendras at Brundabati Niwas, Bagala Dharmasala, Puri Municipality Kalyan Mandap, and the Railway Tourist Complex. These centers will provide comfortable accommodation and essential services to participants.
A medical team will be on-site to monitor the health and well-being of all Habisyalis. Security arrangements will be handled by the police, while clean drinking water supply is ensured by the Water Corporation of Odisha and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation departments. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration will oversee temple access and crowd management, with vehicle movement coordinated by the Regional Transport Office.
Significance of the Kartika Brata and Habisyali Observance
The month of Kartika is one of the most sacred periods in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The Rai Damodar Brata, observed by Habisyalis, is a devotional ritual that represents faith, purity, and commitment. Through these practices, widows and married women seek blessings and spiritual fulfillment, which also helps promote social inclusion.
This observance also plays a key role in preserving Odisha’s cultural heritage and religious traditions, while offering senior women an opportunity for empowerment and communal harmony.
Addressing Challenges
In previous years, demand for accommodation has sometimes exceeded supply, resulting in protests by unregistered Habisyalis seeking to participate. In response, the administration has increased capacity and established separate entry queues for both registered and unregistered women to ensure that everyone can access the temple and take part in the rituals.
Conclusion
The Habisyali scheme is an important initiative that blends spiritual observance with social welfare, providing widowed and married women the opportunity to engage deeply with their faith during the Kartika month. The introduction of online registration and enhanced facilities this year aims to make the process smoother and more inclusive, ensuring a meaningful experience for all participants.