Under the scheme of ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth-Yatra Yojna’, of the Kejriwal government, the 73rd pilgrimage train departed from Delhi on Saturday, carrying 780 senior citizens for a visit to Shri Dwarkadhish. Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal was also present at the event at the Tyagraj Stadium today, and he had meetings during which he handed over travel tickets and kits to the participants.
As part of the Teerth-Yatra Yojna, an evening of soulful devotion comprising Bhajan ‘Sandhya’ was organised at the Tyagraj Stadium. The CM personally met with each pilgrim and sought their blessings.
On the occasion, CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal started his address to the gathering of pilgrims by seeking their blessings. CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal congratulated the pilgrims, at Tyagraj Stadium, on commencing their journey to the Shri Dwarkadhish for their ‘Teerth Yatra’. He expressed his gratitude on seeing a few older ladies dancing to soulful bhajan tunes.
“We started this ‘Teerth Yatra’ scheme 2-3 years ago. When we used to go amongst the people, we saw that there are a lot many people who don’t have money for the pilgrimage. In the Hindu Dharma, it’s said that it’s a ritual to do at least one pilgrimage. For these people who don’t have enough with resources, this scheme provides them an opportunity to do at least one pilgrimage in their lifetime. There are many people who have enough resources but they cannot go on their own, they don’t have any support. So, Delhi Government has initiated the scheme which helps them to take a young one who can look after them”, Shri Arvind Kejriwal added.
CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal further assured pilgrims of more pilgrimage opportunities to nearby pilgrimage sites via luxury buses. The gathering of senior-senior citizens was really pleasant, they all expressed their gratitude to the CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal for this opportunity. Revenue Minister Atishi was also present and praised this initiative by CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal.
He further stated since many people are going together, it helps pilgrims make friendships with each other. So far 72 trains have been sent carrying 71,000 pilgrims under the scheme.
“I want to send each elderly citizen of Delhi for the pilgrimage who is older than 60 years, I want to make sure that everyone has completed one round of the Teerth Yatra and then will start round two. But, due to the shortage of trains we are not able to do this as quick as we want to. We have asked for trains from the Central Government and they have granted us as much as they could but still, that is not enough. We will try to cover the pilgrimages near Delhi by Luxury Buses. At least till Ayodhya Ji we can arrange buses for the Teerth Yatra, we’ll ensure luxury, Air Conditioned buses with due requisites so that pilgrims can travel to near pilgrimage sites such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mathura Vrindavan, Ayodhya, etc.”
CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal concluded by saying that he visited Dwarkadhish last year and it’s a wonderful place, he’s been told that it would take one day to get, one day to return and 3 days to visit. He urged the pilgrims to seek blessings for Delhi, their country and its holistic development along with their families.
While addressing the senior citizens, Revenue Minister Atishi said, “I am delighted to see the enthusiasm of senior citizens from different parts of Delhi gathered here today. Their eyes beaming with joy gave me satisfaction for the work we are doing through this scheme to help our senior citizens attend various pilgrimages at this age.” She added that every senior citizen has a dream that, after spending their whole life running a household, raising children, and doing jobs to earn money, they can go on a pilgrimage and devote their time to God. Every senior citizen expects that after entering into this age, their children would send them on a pilgrimage and support them in devoting their time to God.
The Revenue Minister further said, “It is the luck of senior citizens in Delhi that they have got a Chief Minister and son like Arvind Kejriwal, who has taken the responsibility of sending every senior citizen in Delhi on a pilgrimage. A few months ago, a train with senior citizens from Delhi had gone to Ayodhya. When we met the senior citizens after their return, they were happy to have visited the birthplace of Lord Ram. They shared that during their whole journey, CM Arvind Kejriwal ensured even better care for them than their children had taken. At no point, did they feel that they were deprived of any facility during the journey. They were sent by an AC train, the accommodation was AC, food was provided on time, and every other arrangement was first class. They blessed him for making their pilgrimage so smooth.”
“I would like to thank CM Arvind Kejriwal for starting this scheme and helping our senior citizens of Delhi at this age to attend pilgrimages, and for making quality arrangements for them. I hope that all our respected senior citizens who are leaving today for Dwarkadhish will pray for a better life and health for all Delhiites. I wish them a happy journey,” said Ms. Atishi
Before flagging off the Yatra a Bhajan Sandhya was organized, it serves as a prelude to the upcoming pilgrimage, offering pilgrims an opportunity to seek blessings, find inner peace, and connect with fellow travellers on a spiritual journey. It aims to facilitate a deeper connection with the divine, enabling pilgrims to gather strength, tranquillity, and emotional readiness for their sacred journey.
The Bhajan Sandhya encapsulates the essence of the Mukhyamantri Teerth-Yatra Yojna. It symbolizes the unity, compassion, and care that the Delhi Government extends to its citizens, especially its senior members.
The Mukhyamantri Teerth-Yatra Yojna (MMTYY) is a shining example of how the Delhi Government is helping make people’s dreams come true. This special program has made it possible for many poor individuals who couldn’t afford such trips to go on important pilgrimages. For those who don’t have much, the MMTYY has opened doors to places they never thought they could visit. Thanks to the Delhi Government’s hard work, this initiative has become a way for people to connect with their spiritual side and feel like they belong. Making these dreams real, especially for those who couldn’t manage them on their own, shows how caring leadership can truly make a difference in society.
PROCESS AND FACILITIES:
To participate in these yatras, all pilgrims are required to submit their applications through an online portal. Upon confirmation and approval, the Delhi government organizes fully air-conditioned trains to facilitate their travel to the intended pilgrimage sites.
The government also takes responsibility for the pilgrims’ transportation from their residences to the railway station and back, as well as local travel arrangements to and from the pilgrimage sites once they reach their hotels.
During the yatra, all pilgrims are provided with a comfortable stay in well-appointed hotels, where all meals and snacks will be served.
Additionally, each pilgrim will receive a kit containing essential items like a bedsheet, umbrella, blanket, towel, and bath kit, ensuring their convenience and comfort throughout the journey.
All the elders who had completed their yatras previously are very happy with this arrangement.
What is the Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana?
‘Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojna’ was approved by the Delhi Cabinet on January 9, 2018. The scheme provides Government Assistance to the residents of Delhi, in specific the persons belonging to the economically weaker section of the society. The scheme helps the elderly go on pilgrimages once in a lifetime. The Delhi Government facilitates these tours through the IRCTC, offering AC Trains and AC hotel rooms to the devotees. The entire expense of leaving from home until returning – which includes travelling by air-conditioned trains, proper AC hotel stays, meals, local travel and more – is borne by the Delhi Government. An insurance cover of Rs 1 lac is also provided to look after the devotees.
The trips under the scheme were put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Any citizen aged 60 and above can avail of the scheme
Any citizen from the national capital who is aged 60 years or more can avail of the scheme after acquiring a certificate from their local MLA, stating that they live in the legislator’s constituency.
One attendant aged 21 years or more can accompany each traveller.
The Kejriwal government organizes visits to these pilgrimage sites.
The Delhi government facilitates visits to pilgrimage sites such as Rameshwaram, Dwarkadhish, Somnath, Nageshwar, Jagannath Puri, Baba Mahakal, Tambakeshwar in Shirdi, Tirupati Balaji, Ayodhya, Mata Vaishno Devi, Pushkar, Fatehpur Sikri, Golden Temple in Amritsar, Kartarpur Sahib, Mathura-Vrindavan, and Haridwar at its own expense. Eligible travellers can choose their preferred journey.
How to apply for the scheme
Eligible people have to apply online to benefit from this scheme. It can also be applied online by visiting the office of the Divisional Commissioner, the office of the MLA of the area, or the office of the Tirth Yatra Committee. Candidates are selected by a draw.
How to apply for Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana
Step 1: Go to the e-district portal to apply Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana at https://edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in/
Step 2: Go to the “Registration in e-District Delhi” section on the homepage of the website and click on “New User”
Step 3: Select “Aadhaar Card” or “Voter Card” and enter its number
Step 4: Click on the “Click on to Continue” option. After that, a form will open
Step 5: Fill the rest of the information in the form and upload the scanned photograph of the required documents
Step 6: Submit the application form and remember your registration ID and password
Step 7: Now login to the site and apply for Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana
How to track application status
Step 1: Go to https://edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in/
Step 2: On the homepage, under the Services section, click on the “Track your application” option
Step 3: Select the name of the department “Revenue Department”
Step 4: After this, select the Chief Minister’s pilgrimage scheme “Mukhymantri Tirth Yatra Yojana”
Step 5: Enter the application number and name of the applicant
Step 6: Enter the on-screen security code “captcha”
Step 7: Click on the search “Search”. You will see your application status on the screen
Documents required to apply:
Application form and self-declaration form in the prescribed format
Self-attested copy of medical certificate stating that the applicant/spouse is mentally/physically fit for the journey
Self-attested copy of Delhi Voter ID card (for applicant/spouse)
Copy of the certificate received from the MLA of the area or any minister or chairman of Delhi, Delhi’s Tirth Yatra development committee
Eligibility conditions for the Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana
Applicant should be a resident of Delhi
Applicant age should be 60 years (Completion of 60 years as on 1st January of the year for which you are applying)
The applicant should not be an employee in the Central / State or Local / Unit Government bodies
The applicant has not taken advantage of this scheme before
Applicant’s annual income should be less than 3 lakhs
Applicant’s attendant must be at least 21 years of age
