Nayagarh Sends 119 Senior Pilgrims on Ayodhya–Varanasi Yatra Under Second Phase of Government Pilgrimage Scheme

Nayagarh , Sept 16 [UDN}:  The Nayagarh district administration and the District Tourism Department on Thursday, September 10, launched the second phase of the Senior Pilgrimage Scheme to facilitate pilgrimage for elderly residents of the district.

The inaugural programme was presided over by District Tourism Development Officer Satyabhama Behera. Puri MP Dr. Sambit Patra attended the event as the chief guest and formally flagged off the pilgrimage buses, marking the beginning of the journey.

A total of 119 pilgrims from Nayagarh district are participating in the pilgrimage under the scheme. The pilgrims will visit the sacred cities of Ayodhya and Varanasi, providing them an opportunity to undertake religious visits to important places of spiritual significance.

Addressing the pilgrims, Dr. Sambit Patra congratulated them on the commencement of their pilgrimage and wished them a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey. He also joined the pilgrims in chanting the names of Lord Ram and Lord Shiva, creating a devotional atmosphere at the launch programme.

Nayagarh Collector Madhumita Rath, who attended the event as a distinguished guest, discussed arrangements and necessary measures to ensure that the pilgrims could travel safely and comfortably throughout the journey. She stressed the importance of proper coordination and care during their onward and return journeys.

Zilla Parishad Chairperson Er. Debashish Pattnaik, another distinguished guest, praised the Tourism Department for organising the pilgrimage programme and appreciated the initiative aimed at enabling senior citizens to visit major religious destinations.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Additional District Magistrate Bijayananda Nayak.

The initiative is expected to provide elderly residents of Nayagarh with an opportunity to undertake an organised pilgrimage to Ayodhya and Varanasi, while the district administration and Tourism Department remain responsible for facilitating a smooth and safe journey for all 119 participants.