The Puri district administration is geared up to provide relief to poor women who want to observe the month-long Kartik Brata here.

According to officials, provisions are being made to accommodate 2,000 women for the observance of the Brata in the month of Kartika. Temporary shelters with all civic amenities like supply of drinking water, illumination, fans, beds and toilets, besides healthcare would be taken up.

This apart, arrangements are on to instal holy basil tree, and Akash Deep in the camps to facilitate the worship process. Supply of hot water to beat the cold, blankets and free Mahaprasad is also planned. Places where camps would be installed include the Bagala Dharmshalla, Kalyan Mandop at Mochisahi, another temporary shed at Mochisahi and old ORT garage near the Narendra Kona. Application for the booking is to be made by October 7.

As per religious beliefs, many elderly people, particularly ladies, observe the month-long Brata. Most of them prefer to observe it in the holy city, the abode of lord Jagannath. The Brata observers after early morning bath visit the temple and offer prayers to the lord. 

They remain on one vegetarian meal per day. They too worship basil (Tulasi) by reciting Kartik Mahatmya. In the last five days, they take holy dip in the Mahodadhi tirth (sea) and worship the basil tree and then rush to the Jagannath temple for offering final prayers of the Brata.

Over 40,000 people converge in the town from across the State to observe the Brata. Devotees from economically weaker sections face many problems like finding an affordable accommodation on rent nearby the temple and for other provisions.