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The last five days of the month of Kaartika are traditionally known as the Bhishma Panchaka or the Vaka Panchaka. According to Oriya Ramayana written by Balarama Das it is said that if one is capable, one should observe fasting from certain foodstuffs on the Bhishma-panchaka for the pleasure of the Vishnu. The Padma Purana say that one pleases Vishnu and makes spiritual advancement.
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Observances
Devotees may offer the following offerins to lord Vishnu.Lotus flower, Bilwa leaves,Sandalwood paste,Jaati flower and Malati flower.
Rituals in Jagannath Temple
The main temple at Puri becomes crowded as lots of people wait for different alankara of deities. Different alankara like Dalakia vesha, Adakia Vesha, Laksmi Nrusingha Vesha,Trivikrama Vesha and finally on the day of Kartik Purnima lord is decorated in Rajarajeswara Vesha which draws people more than one lakh.More amount prasad are made in temple to cope with the demand from Havishya vratis(widow women staying for monthlong Kartika vrata in Puri)