Chandigarh, September 19 – Faith and sacrifice run deep in Punjab’s soil, yet many elderly people are unable to fulfill their lifelong wish of visiting holy places due to financial struggles. To bridge this emotional gap, the Mann Government has launched the Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme, turning unfulfilled dreams into journeys of dignity and devotion.
Launch and Expansion
The scheme was first launched on 6 November 2023, with Cabinet approval for the period 27 November 2023 to 29 February 2024 and an initial budget of ₹40 crore. On 27 December 2023, the first train departed from Amritsar to Shri Nanded Sahib, carrying the inaugural batch of pilgrims.
In the first phase alone, 33,893 devotees visited various holy sites. Building on this success, the government reduced the eligibility age from 60 years to 50 years in April 2025 and expanded the budget to ₹100 crore, aiming to take around 50,000 pilgrims to sacred destinations.
Destinations Across Faiths
The scheme reflects Punjab’s inclusive spirit, covering multiple religions:
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Hindu sites: Mata Chintpurni, Mata Vaishno Devi, Mata Jwala Ji, Khatu Shyam, Salasar Dham, Mathura, Varanasi, Vrindavan
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Sikh sites: Shri Patna Sahib, Shri Anandpur Sahib, Shri Hazur Sahib, Shri Damdama Sahib
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Muslim sites: Jama Masjid, Ajmer Sharif
Travel is arranged via special trains for longer routes like Nanded Sahib, Patna Sahib, and Varanasi, while AC buses cover regional sites such as Anandpur Sahib, Chintpurni, and Vaishno Devi.
Facilities and Care
Each pilgrim receives free AC accommodation, meals, and travel kits containing essentials like a blanket, towel, sheet, oil, and comb. Doctors, volunteers, and officials accompany every journey, while advance teams ensure proper arrangements at destinations. Elderly pilgrims above 75 years may bring a family member for support.
Emotional Impact
The initiative has become more than just a government scheme—it’s an emotional lifeline. For instance, Jasveer Kaur of Sangrur called herself “fortunate” after visiting Shri Hazur Sahib for the first time under the programme.
Beyond religious fulfillment, the scheme fosters community bonding, interfaith harmony, and renewed energy among the elderly. Returning pilgrims not only carry blessings but also fresh trust in the government, inspiring families and neighbors.
A Welfare Model Rooted in Heritage
Guided by the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the scheme promotes peace and inclusivity while respecting Punjab’s cultural and spiritual heritage. It demonstrates that welfare is not limited to physical needs—it must also nurture spiritual and emotional well-being.
With the Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme, the Mann Government has opened both its treasury and its heart, ensuring that no elderly citizen is left behind in the journey of faith.
