Chandigarh, May 2
More than 1,100 pilgrims are travelling each day under the Mukh Mantri Teerth Yatra Yojana, a free pilgrimage scheme launched to help older residents visit religious destinations across the state, said Punjab government on Saturday. Officials said 95 deluxe air-conditioned buses have been deployed to transport devotees aged 50 and above from villages, towns and cities directly to major shrines and heritage sites.
Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said pilgrims are being taken to Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, as well as Sri Anandpur Sahib and other places of religious importance. Visitors from the Amritsar region also travel to the Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum. A tent city at Sri Anandpur Sahib has been set up to host up to 700 pilgrims. Authorities said the site includes attached bathrooms, common areas for prayer and meditation, dining facilities and air-conditioned accommodation.
The Punjab government said pilgrims are provided with drinking water, refreshments, meals and lodging free of charge. Around 900 volunteers have also been deployed to assist travellers during the journeys, offering guidance and on-ground support. The scheme has been promoted by the government as a welfare initiative aimed at helping residents fulfil long-held aspirations of visiting sacred places.
