Odisha Launches Rs 1,170 Crore Scheme to Sponsor Jagannath Temple Pilgrimage for 9.5 Lakh Devotees

Odisha Launches Rs 1,170 Crore Scheme to Sponsor Jagannath Temple Pilgrimage for 9.5 Lakh Devotees

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has announced a major spiritual and welfare initiative—Shree Jagannath Darshan Yojana. With a budget of ₹1,170 crore, the scheme aims to enable 9.5 lakh devotees to undertake a free pilgrimage to the Jagannath Temple in Puri over the next five years.

The scheme primarily targets individuals above the age of 50, particularly from economically weaker sections of society. Widows are also eligible for the pilgrimage, with no minimum age limit for participation. According to tourism department officials, the initiative is designed not just to provide a religious experience, but also to promote inner peace, spiritual harmony, and social inclusion. The scheme is expected to instill cultural pride and support heritage preservation across the state.

“For many poor and vulnerable people in Odisha, visiting the Jagannath Temple is a lifelong dream. This scheme will finally make that dream a reality,” a senior official said.

How the Scheme Works

• Free Travel: Beneficiaries will travel via trains and buses at no cost.
• Selection by Lottery: Pilgrims will be selected through a transparent lottery system.
• District-Level Support: Local administration will manage transportation and ensure home pick-up and drop-off.
• Cost per Devotee: The government expects to spend between ₹6,700 and ₹17,000 per person, depending on their district.

This new initiative is a major upgrade from the Baristha Nagarik Tirtha Yatra Yojana launched by the previous BJD government in 2016. While the earlier scheme offered partial subsidies for pilgrimages across India, the Shree Jagannath Darshan Yatra will cover 100% of the costs, making it more accessible for the poor.

The opposition BJD has criticized the scheme, claiming the number of beneficiaries (just over 2% of Odisha’s population) is too low. Former minister Debi Prasad Mishra and Nayagarh MLA Arun Sahoo accused the BJP of rebranding existing schemes for political gain.

However, political analysts believe the scheme is a strategic move by the BJP to strengthen voter sentiment among tribal and rural populations. “Branding it in the name of Lord Jagannath allows the government to sidestep political criticism while building emotional and cultural connections,” said commentator Rabi Das.

By combining religious tourism, public welfare, and cultural heritage, the Shree Jagannath Darshan Yojana is poised to be a landmark initiative in Odisha. If implemented effectively, it could not only fulfill the spiritual aspirations of lakhs of devotees but also enhance the BJP’s political reach in the state.