Puri, Oct. 7 -- The Odisha government has made elaborate arrangements for 2,525 elderly women devotees to observe the month-long Kartik Brata in this pilgrim town, with all expenses borne by the state.

The district administration had invited online registration for devotees wishing to undertake the Brata under government facilities.

After mandatory medical check-ups, the devotees were accommodated at four centres - Brundabati Nivas, Bagala Dharamshala, the municipality-run Kalyan Mandap, and the East Coast Railway Tourist Complex.

Each centre is equipped with all necessary amenities for the observance, including installation of the sacred Basi tree, a hall for religious discourses, medical facilities, and other basic requirements. Every ...