By Tanmay Sharma
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Gurugram, May 27, 2026: Under the nationwide celebrations of Somnath Swabhiman Parv being organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Nayab Singh Saini government has announced a special pilgrimage initiative for devotees wishing to visit the sacred Shri Somnath Jyotirling.
The initiative is being implemented under the leadership of CM Nayab Singh Saini.
Devotees interested in undertaking the pilgrimage can register through the official Saral Portal by June 6.
Applications may be submitted independently through smartphones or via nearby Atal Seva Kendras/Common Services Centres (CSCs).
Seats on the special pilgrimage train will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Nayab Singh Saini will flag off the special train on June 8:
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will flag off the special train from Kurukshetra on June 8.
The train will travel to Somnath while halting at several stations, including Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, and Delhi.
Registered devotees from Gurugram will board the train from their nearest designated railway station.
Authorities have clarified that travel without registration and official consent will not be permitted.
Devotees attempting to board the train without proper documentation may be deboarded during inspections.
Officials also stated that if a registered devotee fails to undertake the journey after confirming participation, they may become ineligible for similar government-sponsored pilgrimage schemes for the next three years.
According to Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh, registration under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana is mandatory.
“Applicants must provide valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.), Parivar Pehchan Patra, Self-declaration of physical fitness, medical fitness certificate from an authorized doctor, and declaration confirming they have not availed the scheme within the past three years,” Singh said.
Special provisions for senior citizens:
The scheme includes special provisions for senior citizens, residents of Haryana aged above 60 years, with an annual income of up to Rs 1.80 lakh, who may take their spouse free of cost.
Devotees aged above 80 years may also bring an attendant on a payment basis.
The Singh Saini government will bear expenses related to accommodation, meals, and local transportation during the pilgrimage.
Following successful registration, eligible devotees have been instructed to report their details to the office of the District Information and Public Relations Officer located at the Mini Secretariat in Gurugram.
Officials emphasized that the scheme can be availed of only once every three years and urged devotees to complete registration well before the deadline.
EOM.
