Rayagada, Dec 15: Under the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme organized by the State Tourism Department, 775 senior citizens from six South-Western Odisha districts—Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, and Nuapada—today commenced a spiritual journey to Rameswaram and Madurai by a special train from Rayagada Railway Station.
The special train was flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also extended her best wishes to the pilgrims. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that the initiative aims to provide religious and spiritual support to senior citizens, especially those who are unable to undertake pilgrimages due to financial or personal constraints.
The event at the railway station was held under the chairmanship of District Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni. Other dignitaries present included Railway DRM Amitabh Singhal and SP Swati S. Kumar. Officials from IRCTC and various district-level authorities also attended the program.
The Tourism Department noted that the scheme ensures all necessary arrangements for pilgrims, including accommodation, travel, food and beverages, security, travel guides, insurance, and medical support.
This year, the pilgrimage is being conducted in 10 phases, with this phase covering pilgrims from the six districts. The district-wise participation is as follows: Rayagada – 118, Koraput – 168, Nabarangpur – 148, Malkangiri – 75, Nuapada – 74, and Kalahandi – 192.
Yesterday, the pilgrims were accommodated in Rayagada, where an evening devotional program and cultural events were organized. Today, they were welcomed at the railway station with flower garlands and a public gathering, marking the official start of the spiritual journey.
A total of 800 people, including 775 pilgrims and 25 escort officers, are participating in this year’s pilgrimage, with all expenses covered by the state government.
