The Odisha government will open online applications for the Habishyali Yojana 2026 on October 6 at 10 AM, kicking off registration for one of the state's most popular welfare schemes for elderly women pilgrims.
What the scheme offers
Under the scheme, 2,500 selected women will observe the month-long Kartika Brata in Puri with free accommodation, special arrangements for darshan at the Shree Jagannath Temple (Srimandir) and free Abadha Mahaprasad every day. The sacred month of Kartik this year runs from October 26 to November 24, 2026.
The district administration has arranged accommodation at three locations in Puri — Brundabati Niwas, the Municipal Kalyan Mandap and the Railway Tourist Complex. Volunteers will assist the beneficiaries with lodging and movement during temple visits, and healthcare support will be provided during the stay.
Who can apply
Women from all 30 districts of Odisha can apply, but only through the state's e-District portal — no offline applications will be accepted. Eligibility is open to widowed women up to 70 years of age and married women between 50 and 70 years, who must be physically and mentally fit to undertake the month-long observance.
Since seats are capped at 2,500, registration will close automatically the moment the target is reached — there is no fixed last date, and allotment is strictly first-come, first-served. This year, first-time applicants will be given preference over women who have benefited from the scheme in earlier years, so the support reaches a wider set of beneficiaries.
Why it matters
The Kartika Brata is one of the most important religious observances in Odisha, drawing thousands of elderly women to Puri every year. By covering lodging, darshan and food entirely, the state ensures that women with limited means can undertake the pilgrimage with dignity and comfort.
Sources:
Pragativadi: Habishyali Yojana 2026: Registration Details Unveiled
Meditation Affinity: Kartika Brata Habishyali Scheme: Online Registration Opens October 6 for 2,500 Women
What the scheme offers
Under the scheme, 2,500 selected women will observe the month-long Kartika Brata in Puri with free accommodation, special arrangements for darshan at the Shree Jagannath Temple (Srimandir) and free Abadha Mahaprasad every day. The sacred month of Kartik this year runs from October 26 to November 24, 2026.
The district administration has arranged accommodation at three locations in Puri — Brundabati Niwas, the Municipal Kalyan Mandap and the Railway Tourist Complex. Volunteers will assist the beneficiaries with lodging and movement during temple visits, and healthcare support will be provided during the stay.
Who can apply
Women from all 30 districts of Odisha can apply, but only through the state's e-District portal — no offline applications will be accepted. Eligibility is open to widowed women up to 70 years of age and married women between 50 and 70 years, who must be physically and mentally fit to undertake the month-long observance.
Since seats are capped at 2,500, registration will close automatically the moment the target is reached — there is no fixed last date, and allotment is strictly first-come, first-served. This year, first-time applicants will be given preference over women who have benefited from the scheme in earlier years, so the support reaches a wider set of beneficiaries.
Why it matters
The Kartika Brata is one of the most important religious observances in Odisha, drawing thousands of elderly women to Puri every year. By covering lodging, darshan and food entirely, the state ensures that women with limited means can undertake the pilgrimage with dignity and comfort.
Sources:
Pragativadi: Habishyali Yojana 2026: Registration Details Unveiled
Meditation Affinity: Kartika Brata Habishyali Scheme: Online Registration Opens October 6 for 2,500 Women
