Chandigarh, June 8 -- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said that pilgrimages serve as a powerful medium for strengthening social harmony and preserving India's rich cultural traditions.

Such journeys connect the younger generation with their roots, values and civilisational heritage. Pilgrims return from sacred journeys with renewed energy, inspiration and spiritual awakening, he said.

The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering after flagging off a special train from Kurukshetra to Somnath carrying more than 1,100 devotees.

He honoured saints and spiritual leaders by presenting them with ceremonial shawls, a release said.

Saini said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been leading the nation since 2014, has...