KURUKSHETRA – In a move aimed at fulfilling the spiritual aspirations of the elderly, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini officially flagged off a special pilgrimage train from Kurukshetra Railway Station on Tuesday. The train, carrying over 800 pilgrims from nine different districts of the state, is destined for Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra—one of the five Takhts (seats of temporal authority) in Sikhism.
The initiative is part of the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana, a flagship scheme of the Haryana government designed to provide free pilgrimage opportunities to senior citizens.
A Journey of Faith and Gratitude
The atmosphere at the Kurukshetra station was one of profound devotion and celebration. As the “special train” prepared for departure, the Chief Minister interacted personally with the devotees, many of whom were traveling to Nanded for the first time.
One elderly pilgrim, visibly moved, shared her joy with the media:
Chief Minister Saini, while addressing the gathering, emphasized that such journeys are intended to inspire devotees to imbibe spiritual teachings and foster a sense of communal harmony. To mark the occasion, representatives of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) felicitated the CM with a siropa (robe of honor) and a memento.
Understanding the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana
The state government has meticulously planned the logistics to ensure a comfortable journey for the senior citizens. Here is a breakdown of the scheme’s key features:
- Eligibility: Senior citizens aged 60 years and above with an annual family income of less than ₹1.80 lakh (as verified by the Parivar Pehchan Patra).
- Destinations: The scheme covers several major religious sites, including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Patna Sahib, Nanded Sahib, Pushkar, Vaishno Devi, and Shirdi.
- Comprehensive Care: The government bears the entire cost of the journey, including train tickets, local transportation at the destination, meals, and accommodation.
- Safety Measures: For this specific trip, the train consists of 11 coaches—10 for the pilgrims and one dedicated to serving staff and medical personnel to handle any emergencies.
Future Pilgrimages on the Horizon
During the event, Chief Minister Saini also announced that the momentum of the pilgrimage scheme would continue. He revealed that the next special train is scheduled to depart for Somnath on June 8, 2026.
This initiative is seen as a major step toward social inclusivity, allowing those who might not have the financial means to undertake long-distance travel to visit the holiest sites of their faith. By facilitating these journeys, the state government aims to honor the elders of Haryana and preserve the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the country.
Political and Social Significance
The flagging-off ceremony in Kurukshetra—a city itself steeped in spiritual history—serves as a symbolic bridge between the different religious traditions of India. Analysts suggest that the success of the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana has significantly boosted the government’s image among the elderly demographic, highlighting a governance model that prioritizes welfare alongside infrastructure.
As the train pulled out of the station amidst chants of “Jo Bole So Nihal,” it carried not just hundreds of pilgrims, but a message of unity and state-supported spiritual fulfillment.
The state government has urged eligible citizens who have not yet registered to visit the official portal for upcoming trips, as the registration deadlines are periodically extended to ensure maximum participation.
