Odisha to Send 775 Senior Citizens on Pilgrimage to Omkareshwar and Ujjain

Bhubaneswar, Nov 8 — The Odisha Government is set to send 775 senior citizens from six districts on a spiritual journey to Omkareshwar and Ujjain under its Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme. The group will depart from Bhubaneswar Railway Station on November 25 and return on November 30.

Pilgrims from Cuttack, Khordha, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, and Dhenkanal districts will take part in this second phase of the pilgrimage programme for the current financial year. They will be accompanied by 25 officials to ensure smooth coordination and assistance throughout the journey.

The Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme aims to provide elderly citizens an opportunity to visit significant religious destinations across India at no cost, with the government bearing the entire expense of travel, accommodation, food, and medical care.

A preparatory meeting to finalise arrangements was held under the chairmanship of Pratap Chandra Beura, ADM Khordha, at the office of the Additional District Magistrate, Bhubaneswar. The meeting reviewed comprehensive plans covering safety, food, beverages, health check-ups, and logistics for the pilgrims.

According to officials, the participants will travel from their respective districts to Bhubaneswar on November 24, where temporary accommodation will be arranged in various government institutions before their departure.

The district administrations have been instructed to ensure adequate safety, healthcare, and comfort facilities for the senior citizens, making their pilgrimage experience both peaceful and memorable.