Puri: In a moving tribute to the spiritual legacy of Lord Jagannatha, the state government has officially launched the Shri Jagannatha Darshan Yojana, a visionary initiative designed to bridge the gap between elderly devotees and their long-held desire for a divine encounter at the holy shrine of Puri.
This ambitious scheme was inaugurated simultaneously across five districts, with Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi leading the ceremony in Nabarangpur, while Minister of Commerce, Transport, and Steel and Mines, Shri Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, flagged off the inaugural pilgrimage bus from the Onslo Mini Stadium in Chhatrapur, Ganjam.
Describing Lord Jagannatha as the very heartbeat of Odia identity and consciousness, Minister Shri Jena spoke of the deep spiritual longing that residents, particularly senior citizens, feel for a glimpse of the Chaturdhamurti. He noted that for every person in Odisha, bathing in the sacred waters of Mahodadhi, attaining a peaceful darshan of the Lord, and partaking in Mahaprasad represent the ultimate spiritual wealth. The new scheme ensures that age, physical distance, or financial constraints will no longer prevent the faithful from experiencing this divine grace.
The first phase of the journey saw 540 senior citizens from five districts set out for Puri, including 74 devotees from Ganjam who traveled in specially prepared air-conditioned buses. To ensure their comfort and safety, the pilgrims are accompanied by escort officers and paramedical staff. The government has made comprehensive arrangements for the travelers, including stay at Brindabati Niwas in Puri, four daily vegetarian meals, and the opportunity to partake in the holy Mahaprasad.
The roadmap for the scheme is extensive, aiming to facilitate the pilgrimage of 5,000 eligible beneficiaries this year, with plans to reach 120,000 senior citizens over the next four years. The program specifically prioritizes those between the ages of 60 and 75 from economically weaker sections, as well as widows within that age group, providing them with a completely free journey to the spiritual heart of the state.
During the ceremony, guests handed out essential travel kits to beneficiaries such as K. Chenneya Reddy, Panchu Gouda, Deba Sahu, Pramila Raut, and Udaya Sethi, who expressed their profound gratitude to the state leadership for fulfilling their lifelong dreams. The atmosphere was further enriched by traditional Pashumukha dances performed by artists from Binchanapalli and soul-stirring bhajans that left the gathered crowd in a state of spiritual devotion. This initiative stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to honoring the elders of the state and preserving the sacred bond between the people and Lord Jagannatha.