Chandigarh, May 15 -- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday said pilgrimages play an important role in strengthening social unity and connecting the younger generation with the country's cultural and spiritual heritage. He also announced that a special train for Somnath Temple pilgrimage in Gujarat would be flagged off on June 8 under the'Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yatra Yojana'.
The Chief Minister was speaking at a function in Sirsa organised to mark the departure of a special pilgrimage train to Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded in Maharashtra. More than 800 devotees from different parts of Haryana travelled on the special train flagged off by Saini.
The Chief Minister handed over rail tickets to selected devotees, interacted with pilgrims and railway officials, and also participated in the Ardas ceremony before the train's departure. Saini said Sirsa holds a special place in Sikh history as Guru Gobind Singh had stayed there during his journey southward in 1706.
He said Gurudwara Chilla Sahib continues to commemorate the Guru's visit. Referring to Hazur Sahib in Nanded, the Chief Minister said it was the sacred place where Guru Gobind Singh attained Jyoti Jot and spread the message of standing against injustice and serving humanity.
Highlighting the Centre's efforts to preserve religious and cultural heritage, Saini referred to initiatives such as the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and observance of Veer Bal Diwas.
He said the Haryana government had made special arrangements with the Railways to ensure safe and comfortable travel for devotees. Earlier, a special train was sent to Ayodhya Dham, while the first train under the scheme departed from Kurukshetra on May 5.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.