Odisha to Send Senior Citizens on Pilgrimage to Ayodhya, Varanasi, Rameshwaram & Madurai

Baripada,23rd July 2025: To facilitate spiritual travel for senior citizens, the Odisha government has launched the ‘Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme’, under which 398 senior citizens from Mayurbhanj district will benefit this year. The state Tourism Department will cover Rs 21,000/- per pilgrim for the journey.

???? Travel Schedule:

First Phase:

• Special train from Balasore Railway Station
  Destination: Ayodhya – Varanasi
  Dates: 07-11-2025 to 12-11-2025 (6 days)

Second Phase

• Destination: Rameshwaram – Madurai
  Dates: 29-01-2026 to 03-02-2026 (6 days)
• Complete details are available on the Odisha Tourism website: www.odishatourism.gov.in

???? Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a permanent resident of Odisha
• Age should be between 60 to 75 years
• Must be physically and mentally fit
• Should not suffer from contagious diseases (like TB, leprosy, asthma, heart disease)
• Only one pilgrimage in a lifetime under this scheme
• Income Tax payers are not eligible
• Preference to those from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Below Poverty Line (BPL)

???? Companion Option:

• Pilgrims aged 70 to 75 years can bring one helper (aged above 18)
• The pilgrim must submit 50% of the companion’s cost via bank draft along with the application, payable to the Director, Tourism Department, Bhubaneswar

???? Application Process:

• Offline: Submit completed application form with photo and documents to the District Tourism Office, Mayurbhanj in person or via post
• Online: Apply at yatra.odisha.gov.in
• Deadline: 15-08-2025

???? Documents Required:

• Recent passport-size photo
• Aadhaar card
• Age proof
• Permanent residence proof
• EWS/BPL certificate (if applicable)

???? Facilities Provided:

• 2nd Class Sleeper train journey
• Travel kit with daily-use items
• Separate ID card
• Food arrangements:
• Morning & evening snacks
• Vegetarian lunch & dinner
• Pick-up and drop facilities from railway station to pilgrimage sites

???? Selection Process:

• If applications exceed the seat limit, selection will be done via a lottery system by an official committee
• Selected applicants will be notified by post
• Further arrangements will be made for the selected pilgrims

☎️ Contact for Help:

• If applicants face any difficulties, they can contact Mr. Ashwini Mishra at the Mayurbhanj District Tourism Office
  ???? Mobile: 90407 37481
• District Tourism Officer confirmed all the above details in an official statement.