Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra scheme: Over 33,500 devotees visited religious shrines so far

Chandigarh: Since its launch on November 27, 2023, the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has enabled over 33,500 devotees to embark on free pilgrimages to religious sites under the “Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana.” The initiative, introduced to mark the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, aims to promote brotherhood and peace, following the teachings of the Guru.

The Punjab government covers all expenses related to travel, accommodation, and meals for pilgrims. In addition, pilgrims are provided with a complimentary kit that includes essentials such as bedsheets, blankets, towels, oil, and combs. Devotees can travel to their chosen religious destinations by bus or train at no cost.

A medical team, along with volunteers and officials, accompanies the pilgrims to ensure their well-being during the journey. Train routes include prominent destinations like Shri Hazur Sahib, Shri Patna Sahib, Varanasi, Mathura, and Ajmer Sharif, while bus routes cover places such as Shri Amritsar Sahib, Shri Anandpur Sahib, Mata Vaishno Devi, and Khatu Shyam. Each bus can accommodate up to 43 passengers.

Eligibility criteria for the scheme include proof of Punjab residency, voter ID, Aadhaar card, age verification, mobile number, email ID, and a medical fitness certificate. Applicants must be at least 60 years old, and those above 75 are allowed to bring a companion for assistance. Selected beneficiaries are notified via SMS on their registered mobile numbers.