Odisha to Launch Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana: Free Puri Pilgrimage for Senior Citizens and Widows
Odisha to Launch Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana: Free Puri Pilgrimage for Senior Citizens and Widows The Odisha government is all set to roll out a heartwarming welfare scheme called Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana (SJDY). This initiative will help elderly people and widows fulfill their long-cherished dream of visiting the sacred Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri. Many senior citizens from remote villages in Odisha often face challenges like travel costs, age, and health issues that stop them from making the pilgrimage. The state government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Eligible Beneficiaries : Senior citizens aged 60 to 75 years and widows (up to 75 years in many cases, but guidelines mention widows of any age if they meet criteria). Priority is given to those enrolled in central or state old-age pension or widow pension schemes.
Benefits Provided — The government will cover free travel (to and from Puri), accommodation, food (including mahaprasad), and smooth darshan arrangements. Special care will be taken for comfort and safety during the trip.
Target Numbers — In the first phase, around 35,000 people will benefit. The scheme plans to cover about 5,000 beneficiaries in FY 2025-26 and 30,000 in 2026-27. Overall, it aims to help nearly 1,00,000 economically weaker senior citizens and widows over its duration (up to March 2029).
Implementation Process — Beneficiaries will be selected at the panchayat level. District Collectors have been directed to collect consent forms from eligible people quickly. The Tourism Department has sent letters to all Collectors for fast action, as the scheme launch is very near.
Focus Areas : The program targets poor elderly from rural areas who have never visited Puri due to financial or physical reasons.
How Does This Scheme Help Real People? For many elderly Odia, a visit to Lord Jagannath’s darshan is a lifelong wish. This yojana makes it possible without any personal expense. It also ensures safe, organized group travel with medical support if needed. Widows, who often face extra hardships, get special attention. The scheme was announced late last year (around November 2025), with guidelines issued by the Tourism Department. Recent updates show the government is pushing district officials to speed up consent collection so the first batches can start soon.
This yojana stands out for its clear focus on Odisha’s cultural and religious heritage while supporting vulnerable groups.As the scheme moves closer to launch, district administrations are working hard at the ground level. Eligible people should contact their local panchayat or block office for consent forms and details. This step by Our Odisha government shows real care for its senior citizens and widows, blending devotion with welfare in a practical way.
Jai Jagannath
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