CM Yogi Launches Two New Pilgrimage Schemes for Buddhist and Sikh Devotees
GG News Bureau
Lucknow, 6th July: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday directed officials to launch two new spiritual travel schemes — Bauddha Teertha Darshan Yojana and Panch Takht Yatra Yojana — aimed at facilitating pilgrimages for Buddhist and Sikh devotees.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the chief minister described pilgrimages as instruments of spiritual upliftment and social harmony, adding that it is the government’s duty to assist citizens in reaching religious destinations linked to their faiths.
As per a government statement, both schemes will provide a minimum of ₹10,000 per person as financial assistance to eligible devotees for travel. Priority will be given to applicants from economically weaker sections. The schemes will be run in collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and will follow a fully online application process.
Key destinations covered under Panch Takht Yatra:
- Shri Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
- Shri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab
- Shri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab
- Shri Takht Sachkhand Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra
- Shri Harmandir Ji Sahib, Patna Sahib, Bihar
The Bauddha Teertha Darshan Yojana will focus on sacred Buddhist sites within India, details of which are expected to be released soon.
CM Yogi emphasized that utmost attention must be paid to the convenience, safety, and religious sentiments of devotees while implementing the schemes. He said these initiatives align with the state’s policy of inclusive development and reinforce the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. They also promote national unity under the Centre’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
Officials are expected to begin rollout of the schemes in the coming months.
