Hisar-Nanded Special Pilgrimage Flight Service Inaugurated with State Support
A landmark air connectivity initiative for religious pilgrims was inaugurated on Sunday, with the launch of a special flight service from Hisar's Maharaja Agrasen Airport to Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra. The inaugural flight departed around 3.45 pm, carrying 61 Sikh pilgrims on a journey of spiritual significance.
Commemorating a Historic Anniversary with Enhanced Pilgrim Access
This new air service was specifically launched to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, providing devotees with a faster and more convenient travel option to one of Sikhism's most revered sites. For the inaugural flight, the Haryana government provided a substantial 60% subsidy on ticket fares, demonstrating state support for religious tourism and community welfare.
The remaining cost was borne by the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGPC), ensuring that financial barriers were minimized for pilgrims undertaking this sacred journey. All 61 passengers on the maiden flight hailed specifically from Kurukshetra, highlighting the regional demand for improved pilgrimage infrastructure.
Official Ceremony and Community Response
A special welcome program was organized at Hisar Airport to commemorate the occasion, with Jagdish Singh Jhinda, founder and leader of the HSGPC, presiding over the event. During the ceremony, a recorded message from Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was played, acknowledging the importance of this initiative for the Sikh community.
Members of the Sikh community expressed strong appreciation for the new flight service while advocating for its expansion. Many attendees demanded that the flight be operated at least three days a week to accommodate more pilgrims and establish it as a regular travel option rather than a one-time service.
Transforming Pilgrimage Logistics and Accessibility
Speaking at the inauguration, Jhinda described the launch as "a historic moment" and extended gratitude to both the Chief Minister and the aviation minister for accepting what he termed "the long-standing demand of the Sikh community." He emphasized the practical benefits of the new service, noting that the journey to Nanded Sahib by road or rail typically takes nearly three days, whereas the direct air connection from Hisar dramatically reduces travel time.
Jhinda provided specific financial details, revealing that the actual ticket fare for the Hisar–Nanded Sahib flight is approximately Rs 19,000, but thanks to the government's 60% subsidy, pilgrims were able to travel at a significantly reduced cost. He further explained that transportation arrangements for devotees from Kurukshetra to Hisar Airport were organized by the HSGPC, with expenses covered by the 'Sangat' (community congregation).
The Spiritual Significance of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib
Takht Sachkhand Shri Hazur Sahib, located in Nanded, holds profound religious and historical importance within Sikhism. As one of the five Takhts (thrones of authority) in the faith, it represents a central pillar of Sikh spiritual heritage. This sacred site is where the 10th Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh, attained martyrdom in 1708, making it a destination of immense reverence.
The shrine serves as a major Sikh pilgrimage center in South India and is often referred to as the "Kashi of the South" due to its spiritual significance, drawing devotees from across the country and beyond who seek connection with this important chapter of Sikh history.
