Majhi launches scheme to enable poor, widows, and elderly to visit Puri Jagannath Temple

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday unveiled a new welfare initiative aimed at providing economically weaker sections, widows, and senior citizens the opportunity to visit the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri at least once in their lifetime. Named the Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana (SJDY), the scheme is designed to enhance the spiritual and cultural well-being of the state’s most vulnerable populations.

Addressing the public during the launch in Nabarangpur, Majhi highlighted that financial constraints often prevent senior citizens and widows from fulfilling their religious aspirations. “The state government considers the people as the centre of governance, and it is our highest duty to fulfil their hopes and aspirations,” he said. The Chief Minister drew inspiration from the story of Shravan Kumar, a character from the Ramayana, who carried his blind and elderly parents on a pilgrimage in baskets, symbolizing respect, devotion, and service to elders.

Under the provisions of the scheme, senior citizens aged 60 to 75 years and widows up to 75 years from economically weaker sections will receive free travel, accommodation, and food, including the opportunity to partake in the revered Mahaprasad at the Jagannath Temple. The scheme also ensures that beneficiaries have a hassle-free darshan experience, with organized transportation and overnight stay arrangements for participants from 21 districts. Devotees from eight coastal districts will have the option of a day tour.

The first phase of the initiative will cover over 500 devotees from multiple districts and has been simultaneously launched in Sambalpur, Bhadrak, Berhampur, and Baripada, under the joint supervision of the tourism and transport departments. According to the Odisha Tourism Department, the scheme targets 5,000 beneficiaries in the 2025-26 fiscal year and plans to extend coverage to 30,000 people in 2026-27. Over its lifespan, which is projected until the 2028-29 fiscal year, approximately 1,00,000 residents across the state are expected to benefit from the program.

Majhi emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that all travel, stay, and food arrangements are fully taken care of, enabling devotees to focus on their spiritual journey without any financial or logistical concerns. This initiative represents a significant step toward inclusive cultural participation, allowing economically disadvantaged groups to experience one of Odisha’s most cherished religious traditions.