Gujarat Enables 1.58 Lakh Pilgrims Since 2017 Under CM Bhupendra Patel’s Leadership

By A Staff Reporter

In a move that blends cultural heritage with inclusive governance, the Gujarat government under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has facilitated pilgrimage opportunities for over 1.58 lakh devotees since 2017-18. Through schemes such as Shravan Tirth Darshan, Sindhu Darshan, and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the state has spent Rs 20.62 crore, reaffirming its commitment to both progress and tradition under the banner of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi.”

According to official data, in just the last three years, 66,233 pilgrims have benefitted from the initiative—including a significant 64,722 senior citizens. Financial assistance exceeding Rs 9.86 crore was disbursed during this period to support the travel and spiritual needs of participants.

The Shravan Tirth Darshan Yojana, in particular, caters to elderly citizens by covering travel expenses for group pilgrimages to significant religious sites across India. Other schemes like Sindhu Darshan in Ladakh and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra offer subsidized access to high-altitude spiritual experiences traditionally out of reach for many.