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The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Friday announced a major expansion of its Mukh Mantri Teerath Yatra Yojana, adding several prominent pilgrimage destinations to the scheme.
The newly included sites are Salasar Balaji Temple, Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, Haridwar–Rishikesh, and Mathura-Vrindavan, broadening access to key religious and spiritual centres for beneficiaries, according to an official statement.
The move is part ofthe Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s commitment to preserving Punjab’s spiritual heritage and making pilgrimage accessible to every devotee.
Addressing an event in the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann in Jalandhar, AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal highlighted the Punjab government is not only
enabling devotees to undertake sacred pilgrimages free of cost but is also investing in the restoration and development of revered religious sites.
At the same time, the government is promoting spiritual and cultural values through initiatives such as the statewide staging of Ashutosh Rana’s acclaimed play “Hey Ram!”, he said.
“I am extremely happy that we recently observed the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji with great respect, dignity, and devotion. We paid our complete respect and organised it very well. Now the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj is also being celebrated in a grand manner”, Kejriwal said.
The AAP chief — the former Chief Minister of Delhi — shared that the Maa Kali Devi Temple in Patiala was being renovated at a cost of Rs 85 crores, as he invited devotees to pay a visit to the shrine.
“There is the Maa Kali Devi Mandir in Patiala, which holds immense faith for people. Devotees come from across North India believing that Maa Kali fulfils their wishes and removes their sorrows. The temple is being completely renovated and developed at a cost of ₹85 crore. It will be ready by September. Once it is completed, all of you should definitely visit. It is shaping up to be a magnificent temple.”
Pilgrimage Programmes In Punjab
Underlining the pilgrimage programmes the Punjab government is running, Kejriwal stated: “Many ‘teerath yatra’ (pilgrimages) are being organised. The Punjab Government has introduced Volvo buses and two routes are currently operational. One route covers Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Durgiana Temple, and Bhagwan Valmiki Mandir. The second route covers Sri Anandpur Sahib and Mata Naina Devi Ji Mandir. Three more routes are about to begin: Salasar Balaji Dham and Sri Khatu Shyam Ji, Haridwar and Rishikesh, and Sri Mathura Ji and Vrindavan Dham.”
The AAP chief urged devotees to travel through Volvo buses in groups as he stressed that travelling together brings a different joy altogether.
“Many of you are financially capable of travelling on your own. But travelling together has a different joy. These Volvo buses accommodate 30 to 40 people. Everyone sings bhajans together throughout the journey, stays together, and returns together. It becomes a lifetime experience. Even if you can afford your own travel, I would still recommend taking this journey once. I have spoken to people who have already travelled through this scheme and they were extremely happy. You should also go on these pilgrimages.”
Tickets To ‘Hey Ram’ Made Free Across Punjab
Referring to a cultural event, Arvind Kejriwal said, “This evening there is a programme called ‘Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam’. I hope all of you will attend. Hansraj Raghuwanshi Ji will be there to sing bhajans in his melodious voice. The event will be held at Sai Dass Ground.”
Kejriwal added that the tickets to Ashutosh Rana’s play ‘Hey Ram’ — which cost Rs 8,000 — was made free across Punjab.
“From the end of July, we will organise performances of Ashutosh Rana’s play ‘Hey Ram’ across Punjab. The play features several incidents from the Ramayana and many dialogues between Lord Ram and Ravan. It is extremely interesting. I watched it myself in Delhi. Many people have seen it. In Delhi, tickets cost ₹8,000, but we have made it free for the people of Punjab. It will be staged in different cities across the state. Whenever it comes to your city, do not miss it. It is a very interesting three-hour play”, he said.
