Bhubaneswar, Oct 26: As the holy month of Kartik begins, around 1,800 Habishyalis (women devotees observing the Kartik Brata) had reached Puri by Sunday night to observe the Mahakartik Brata. Bookings for another 600 devotees have been completed, and they are expected to arrive on Monday morning.

However, the situation in Ekamra Kshetra, Bhubaneswar, presents a contrasting picture. Not a single Habishyali had arrived by Sunday night to observe the Kartik Brata. Moreover, no advance bookings had been made at either of the two dharmasalas designated for their stay.

Temple servitors have expressed concern over the situation, stating that Ekamra has never witnessed such a disappointing scenario in the past. Spiritual leaders have also expressed apprehension, saying that if no Habishyali arrives on the first day of Kartik on Monday, it could be viewed as an unfortunate sign for the sacred city.

They pointed out that repeated disruptions in temple rituals and negligence in the worship of deities could affect the spiritual significance of a religious place. According to them, if devotees feel that the deities themselves are being neglected, their participation in religious observances may also decline.

The absence of Habishyalis during the holy month of Kartik would mean that the traditional sounds of hulahuli and Haribol would not echo through the temple town in the morning and evening. The sight of Akash Deepa (sacred lamps lit in the open sky) would also be missing. This, they said, would be a matter of deep sadness for Ekamra Kshetra, particularly for the historic Bindusagar Lake and its surrounding temples.

Servitors and dharmasala authorities, meanwhile, cited several possible reasons for the decline. They said that Puri provides free facilities to Habishyalis, while devotees visiting Bhubaneswar have to bear their own expenses. This could be discouraging them from choosing Ekamra Kshetra for the observance.

The approaching cyclone may also have influenced the decision of devotees to postpone their visit. Some Habishyalis may arrive after the weather situation improves, they added.

However, the authorities admitted that the number of Habishyalis visiting Ekamra has been declining continuously over the past 10 years, which is a matter of serious concern.

They stressed that special government announcements and dedicated arrangements to attract Habishyalis to Ekamra Kshetra could help revive the tradition and encourage more devotees to observe the Kartik Brata in Bhubaneswar.

The situation has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of the arrangements and the introduction of special measures to restore Ekamra's religious prominence during the auspicious month of Kartik.