Bhubaneswar, Oct. 26 -- Holy month of Kartika began on Monday, also observed as Kartika Somabar. Large crowds of devotees gathered at the Srimandir in Puri to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath in his Radha Damodar Besha.

Hundreds of women, known as Habishyalis, have arrived in the pilgrim town to observe the month-long Habisha Brata.

The Puri district administration has made arrangements for the women's accommodation, meals and darshan. Around 2,400 Habishyalis are expeted to receive facilities at designated camps.

As per reports, a separate queue has also been arranged at the Puri Jagannath Temple to facilitate darshan for Habishyalis. Barricades have been installed at sacred ponds to ensure safe bathing and avoid any accidents. Th...