By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, October 15, 2016 : Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday launched the ‘Kartika Habishiali Brata Yojana’ aimed at facilitating shelter and Mahaprasad to Hindu widows visiting Puri to observe the rituals in this holy Hindu month of Kartika.

“I am glad to learn that you have gathered in Puri from various places of the state. We Odias observe the month of Kartika as a holy month. Mothers come down to the Jagannath Dham to observe Kartika Habisha. I came to know that you are facing hurdles to find a place to stay in Puri and avail the Mahaprasad because of overcapacity,” the chief minister said while launching the scheme through video conferencing from here.

“We have started the Kartika Habishiali Brata Yojana from this year to ensure that our mothers can observe the Kartika rituals without any hassle. We have arranged for your stay in Puri, facilities to avail Mahaprasad, made security provisions and have planned for health check-ups under this scheme,” he added.

He further informed that the scheme has been planned for 2,000 beneficiaries this year. The government has plans to accommodate more beneficiaries from next year onwards.