Faith and devotion have always been an inseparable part of Punjab’s cultural identity. Generations of people here have built their lives around the values taught by the Gurus. Yet, for many elderly citizens, financial challenges and family responsibilities left one wish unfulfilled—the dream of visiting holy places in the twilight of their lives. To transform that long-cherished dream into reality, the Mann Government introduced the Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme, a program that carries both pride and compassion.
This scheme is more than a policy on paper; it is a heartfelt initiative that connects the government with ordinary people. It recognizes the sacrifices of those elderly citizens who devoted their entire lives to their families and society, and it seeks to honor them with dignity. For many who could never afford such journeys, this program has become a blessing that brings joy, comfort, and spiritual fulfillment.
The Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme was officially launched on November 6, 2023. Soon after, the Punjab Cabinet sanctioned its implementation between November 27, 2023, and February 29, 2024, with an initial budget of 40 crore rupees. On December 27, 2023, the first group of pilgrims departed on the sacred occasion of Gurpurab. During this initial phase, over 33,000 devotees were able to travel to revered destinations. The very first train under the scheme left from Amritsar Railway Station, carrying pilgrims to Shri Nanded Sahib.
By April 2025, the government expanded the scheme and reduced the minimum age requirement from 60 years to 50 years, ensuring more people could benefit. The budget was raised to 100 crore rupees, with a goal of enabling around 50,000 individuals to visit holy sites.
The program is inclusive in spirit, offering travel to sacred places of different faiths. Hindu devotees are taken to shrines such as Mata Chintpurni, Mata Vaishno Devi, Mata Jwala Ji, Khatu Shyam, Salasar Dham, Mathura, Varanasi, and Vrindavan. Sikh pilgrims visit revered sites like Shri Patna Sahib, Shri Anandpur Sahib, Shri Hazur Sahib, and Shri Damdama Sahib. Muslim pilgrims are offered journeys to Jama Masjid and Ajmer Sharif.
Travel arrangements vary according to the destination. Long-distance routes, including Shri Hazur Sahib, Shri Patna Sahib, Varanasi, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Ajmer Sharif, are covered by special trains. Nearby destinations such as Amritsar Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, Shri Anandpur Sahib, and the shrines of Mata Chintpurni, Mata Jwala Devi, Naina Devi, Mata Vaishno Devi, Salasar Balaji Dham, and Khatu Shyam Dham are reached through air-conditioned buses. To ensure safety and comfort, doctors, volunteers, and government officials accompany every group. Officials also visit the destinations in advance to make arrangements. Pilgrims above 75 years of age may be accompanied by a younger relative for assistance. Free lodging in AC rooms and meals are provided throughout the journey.
Every pilgrim receives a travel kit containing essentials such as a blanket, sheet, towel, oil, and comb. All other facilities, including transport, accommodation, food, and local arrangements, are offered without any cost. The scheme has already brought joy to thousands of people. For example, Jasveer Kaur, a resident of Sangrur, described her visit to Shri Hazur Sahib as a life-changing experience that she never thought possible.
This initiative reflects not only administrative planning but also the cultural soul of Punjab. Inspired by the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, it spreads a message of peace, harmony, and respect. For the elderly and economically weaker sections, it removes the financial barrier to spiritual satisfaction. It shows that governance can be compassionate and deeply humane, addressing not just material needs but emotional and spiritual ones as well.
When pilgrims return home, they bring back more than memories of sacred places. They carry renewed faith, inner peace, and gratitude. Their stories inspire neighbors and younger generations, spreading the spirit of unity and devotion. In this way, the scheme has become more than a journey; it is a bridge of trust between the people and the government.
By making these sacred journeys accessible to everyone, the Mann Government has shown that welfare is not confined to economic development alone. True welfare also embraces people’s faith, their emotions, and their dreams. The Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme is not just about reaching holy places; it is about connecting hearts, creating bonds, and giving the elderly an experience of dignity and fulfillment.
