Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Punjab Pilgrimage Scheme Helps Over 5.10 Lakh Devotees
Punjab has a government program that helps people visit religious places.
The minister said more than 5.10 lakh devotees have used it.
The program first covered several religious sites in Punjab and Mata Naina Devi.
It was later expanded to destinations including Haridwar, Rishikesh and Mathura-Vrindavan.
People aged 50 or older can use the expanded program.
The government pays for bus travel, places to stay and food.
Medical and other attendants travel on every bus.
Teams at the destinations also help keep pilgrims safe and comfortable.
Punjab Tourism Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said 5,10,807 devotees have benefited from the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra scheme.
The scheme was launched on November 9, 2025, with about four lakh pilgrims visiting Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Mata Naina Devi in its first phase.
On August 12, the scheme was expanded to include Khatu Shyam-Salasar Balaji Dham, Haridwar-Rishikesh and Mathura-Vrindavan.
Residents aged 50 and above are eligible under the expanded scheme, which provides free AC sleeper bus travel, accommodation and food.
Each bus has general and medical attendants, while destination teams assist pilgrims with safety, security and other needs.
- Who
- Punjab Tourism Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond reported the figures; eligible Punjab residents aged 50 and above are the beneficiaries.
- What
- The Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra scheme has facilitated pilgrimage for 5,10,807 devotees.
- When
- The scheme was launched on November 9, 2025, and expanded on August 12; the minister reported the figures on September 17.
- Where
- Pilgrimages cover religious destinations in Punjab and elsewhere, including Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, Mata Naina Devi, Haridwar-Rishikesh and Mathura-Vrindavan.
- Why
- The scheme aims to help elderly residents visit religious places by providing free travel and essential facilities.
- Beneficiaries
- 5,10,807 devotees
- Scheme
- Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra
- Launch date
- November 9, 2025
- First phase
- Around four lakh pilgrims visited Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Mata Naina Devi
- Expanded eligibility
- Residents aged 50 years and above
- Included services
- Free AC sleeper bus travel, accommodation and food
- Support arrangements
- General and medical attendants on every bus, plus teams at destinations