THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 30, 2026
Shri
Jagannath Darshan Yojana, a compassionate initiative of the Odisha government,
is set to turn a long-cherished spiritual dream into reality for thousands of
elderly citizens and widowed women across the State. In a significant measure
aimed at social inclusion and spiritual well-being, the government has
announced plans to facilitate a pilgrimage to Puri for darshan of the Trinity –
Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Goddess Subhadra – for senior citizens aged
between 60 and 75 years, along with widowed women.
The scheme,
expected to be launched very soon, will enable beneficiaries to visit the holy
city of Puri and offer prayers at the famous Shri Jagannath Temple, many of
whom have been unable to undertake the journey due to financial limitations or
physical constraints. By easing these barriers, the initiative seeks to ensure
that age or hardship does not stand in the way of faith.
The Tourism
Department has already issued official communications to all district
Collectors, detailing the guidelines for smooth and effective implementation of
the programme. As per the plan, nearly 35,000 beneficiaries across Odisha will
be covered under the Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana.
To ensure
transparency and grassroots participation, district Collectors have been
directed to finalise the list of eligible beneficiaries at the panchayat level.
This decentralised approach is expected to promote fairness, inclusivity and
accurate identification of deserving individuals.
With this
initiative, the Odisha government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare
of senior citizens and widowed women, blending social responsibility with the
State’s rich spiritual heritage.
