Kurukshetra: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday announced that the Somnath yatra from the state will commence on June 8. He urged people to follow the teachings of the Gurus and emphasized the spiritual significance of such journeys.
Speaking at an event under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, Saini flagged off a special train from Kurukshetra to Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra. The train carried over 800 pilgrims from nine districts of the state.
The Chief Minister interacted with the pilgrims and extended his best wishes. He stated that such journeys should inspire devotees to imbibe spiritual teachings and deepen their faith.
Representatives of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee felicitated Saini with a siropa and a memento as a mark of respect.
Announcing the Somnath yatra, Saini said the temple symbolizes India's faith and cultural heritage. He noted that the central government is organizing a year-long "Somnath Swabhiman Parv" programme, which will continue until January 2027.
Saini highlighted that the Kurukshetra–Nanded train connects two key spiritual centers: Kurukshetra, associated with the Bhagavad Gita, and Hazur Sahib, linked to Guru Gobind Singh. He also referred to a Swadesh Darshan heritage circuit covering Anandpur Sahib, Fatehgarh Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib, Amritsar, and Patiala.
The Chief Minister elaborated on the financial assistance provided for pilgrimages under various schemes. Under the Sindhu Darshan scheme, pilgrims receive Rs 10,000. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra offers Rs 50,000 in assistance. The Swarn Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Yojana provides Rs 6,000 for visits to Hazur Sahib, Nankana Sahib, Hemkunt Sahib, and Patna Sahib.
Saini also mentioned that land has been allotted to Gurdwara Sri Chilla Sahib in Sirsa. Several public institutions in the state have been named after Sikh Gurus to honor their legacy.
The event underscored the state government's commitment to facilitating religious tourism and preserving cultural heritage. Pilgrims expressed gratitude for the opportunity to undertake the sacred journey with government support.
