Puri, Oct 7: The registration process for Habishyalis seeking to observe the sacred Raai Damodar Brata in Puri was closed within just 40 minutes of the official website going live, after the administration’s target was reached.

As per the pre-planned schedule, the registration portal opened at 10 am on Tuesday. Around 2,800 aspirants registered during the short window, and by around 10:45 am, further registrations were no longer possible.

Following verification of the applications, around 2,500 to 2,600 Habishyalis are expected to be selected for accommodation at designated Habishyali centres in Puri during the Kartika month. The selected beneficiaries will be provided free accommodation and facilities to observe the Raai Damodar Brata, have Mahaprasad and visit the Jagannath Temple every day.

The administration will send messages to the eligible beneficiaries informing them about their selection. The final list is scheduled to be published on October 11.

However, the early closure of the registration portal has left many Habishyalis disappointed, with several aspirants expressing dissatisfaction after being unable to complete the registration process.