Chandigarh: More than 1.3 lakh pilgrims have participated in Punjab's free pilgrimage scheme, revenue minister Hardeep Singh Mundian announced on Tuesday. The state-funded Mukh Mantri Teerth Yatra Yojana covers all travel, lodging, and medical costs for residents aged 50 and above.
Second Phase Launched in October 2025
The second phase, launched in October 2025 to honor the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, has already benefited more than 97,000 devotees across almost 2,500 trips. The Bathinda cluster led participation with more than 46,000 pilgrims, followed by Ludhiana, Mohali, and Amritsar. This phase focuses on heritage sites like the Golden Temple and the Partition Museum.
First Phase Success
The program's first phase in late 2023 transported 35,500 people to religious landmarks such as Hazur Sahib and Ajmer Sharif. Minister Mundian said this scheme, open to all religions and castes, had allowed cheaper pilgrimages to both local shrines and distant temples in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The scheme continues to provide accessible pilgrimage opportunities for elderly residents, reinforcing the state's commitment to inclusive welfare.
