In a major step toward promoting spiritual tourism and inclusive development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Yogi Adityanath has announced the launch of two new pilgrimage schemes — ‘Buddhist Tirtha Darshan Yojana’ and ‘Panch Takht Yatra Yojana’ — aimed at supporting Buddhist and Sikh devotees from the state in undertaking religious journeys across India.
Also Read: MP: Panna Tiger Reserve Breaks Tourism Record with ₹7.42 Crore Revenue; Core Zone Closed for Monsoon
According to an official statement released on Saturday, Mr. Adityanath emphasized during a review meeting that pilgrimages are vital for spiritual upliftment and social harmony, and it is the government’s responsibility to assist citizens in reaching sites associated with their religious faiths.
Under the Buddhist Tirtha Darshan Yojana, financial assistance will be provided to Buddhist devotees — particularly monks — to visit prominent pilgrimage sites across the country that are significant to Buddhist heritage and philosophy.
Likewise, the Panch Takht Yatra Yojana will help Sikh devotees travel to the five sacred Takhts, including Shri Anandpur Sahib, Shri Akal Takht Sahib, Shri Damdama Sahib, Shri Takht Sachkhand Shri Hazur Sahib, and Shri Harmandir Ji Sahib (Patna Sahib).
Both schemes will offer a minimum grant of Rs. 10,000 per person, and will give priority to applicants from economically weaker sections. The entire application process will be online, and the schemes will be implemented in collaboration with IRCTC to ensure seamless travel arrangements.
Highlighting the broader objective, the Chief Minister noted that these initiatives are in line with the vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, fostering national integration, religious inclusivity, and cultural exchange.
Mr. Adityanath stressed that convenience, safety, and respect for religious sentiment should remain central to the implementation of these schemes, which are expected to boost faith-based tourism and provide meaningful support to devotees across Uttar Pradesh.
