KURUKSHETRA – In a move that blends spiritual heritage with social welfare, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini officially flagged off a special pilgrimage train from the Kurukshetra Railway Station on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The train, carrying over 800 devotees from nine districts across the state, is bound for Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra—one of the five Takhats (seats of authority) in Sikhism.
The initiative is part of the state government’s ambitious Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana, a scheme designed to provide free pilgrimage opportunities to elderly citizens and those from economically weaker sections of society.
A Spiritual Bridge Between Holy Lands
Addressing the gathering at the station, Chief Minister Saini highlighted the profound spiritual connection between the starting point and the destination. He described the special train as a “symbolic bridge” connecting two of India’s most sacred sites.
The CM interacted personally with many of the pilgrims, seeking their blessings and wishing them a safe journey. In a traditional gesture of respect, representatives from the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) felicitated the Chief Minister with a siropa (robe of honor) and a memento.
Ensuring Comfort and Accessibility
The Haryana government has made comprehensive arrangements for the 800+ pilgrims on board. Recognizing that many travelers are senior citizens, the state has prioritized:
- Safety and Security: Dedicated personnel to assist elderly passengers throughout the journey.
- Logistics: Free provision of food, water, and comfortable accommodation for the duration of the pilgrimage.
- Eligibility: The scheme specifically targets bonafide residents of Haryana aged 60 and above with an annual family income of up to ₹1.80 lakhs.
The Chief Minister noted that these initiatives are vital for connecting the younger generation with their cultural roots while ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent the elderly from fulfilling their lifelong spiritual desires.
Expansion of the Pilgrimage Program
During the event, CM Nayab Singh Saini made a significant announcement regarding the expansion of the pilgrimage scheme. He revealed that a grand Somnath Yatra will be organized from Haryana starting June 8, 2026.
This aligns with the central government’s “Somnath Swabhimaan Parv,” a year-long national commemoration celebrating the Somnath Temple as a symbol of cultural renaissance and self-respect. The state government is also facilitating visits to other major shrines, including Sindhu Darshan, Sri Hemkund Sahib, and Sri Patna Sahib.
A Vision of Harmony and Development
The flagging-off ceremony served as a platform for the CM to touch upon broader governance goals. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving “unprecedented impetus” to India’s religious and cultural heritage through projects like the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
The Chief Minister concluded by emphasizing that the dream of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) rests on four key pillars: Women, Farmers, Youth, and the Poor. By facilitating these spiritual journeys, the government aims to strengthen social harmony and provide a sense of dignity to the state’s senior citizens.
As the train pulled out of the station amidst chants and cheers, it carried with it the hopes and prayers of hundreds, marking another milestone in Haryana’s commitment to inclusive welfare and cultural preservation.
