Puri, October 26: The sacred occasion of Kumar Purnima is being observed at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri with special rituals and traditional ceremonies. The temple witnessed the performance of special rituals associated with Lord Jagannath on this auspicious day

According to temple traditions, Lord Jagannath’s representative deity, Shri Madhab, will remain confined in the Lakshmi Temple for seven days after losing a traditional game of dice to Goddess Mahalakshmi.

Meanwhile, the holy month-long Mahakartika Brata began on Monday, drawing thousands of Habishyalis to Puri. After taking a religious vow, the devotees began observing the sacred rituals, including worshipping Radha-Damodar near the sacred Tulasi plant platform, known as Chaunra.

Puri holds special religious significance during the Kartik month, and devotees from different parts of Odisha and beyond have gathered in the pilgrim town to observe the brata.

The state government has made free arrangements for around 2,400 Habishyalis, with facilities focused on accommodation, Mahaprasad, healthcare and darshan of the deities.

Apart from government-provided facilities, thousands of women observing the brata have also gathered at various monasteries, religious institutions and dharmashalas across Puri.

The month-long observance is marked by devotion, religious discipline and daily worship, making Kartik one of the most spiritually significant periods in the holy town.