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Hoshiarpur: Keeping the spirit of service and devotion at the core, the Bhagwant Singh Mann government has expanded the 'Chief Minister Teerth Yatra Scheme', under which devotees are now traveling to holy places like Shri Khatu Shyam-Salasar Balaji, Haridwar-Rishikesh and Mathura Ji-Vrindavan Dham. On Wednesday, 15 buses carrying devotees to these places were flagged off from Hoshiarpur by AAP's national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who also went inside the buses and took stock of the arrangements and interacted with the devotees.

Devotees above 50 years of age will be able to travel

Under this scheme, devotees aged 50 years and above can travel, with a maximum of two members of a family being eligible to travel, while ACs are provided by the government. Sleeper bus travel, accommodation and food arrangements are being made free of cost. So far, 4 lakh devotees have paid obeisance at Sri Amritsar Sahib and Sri Anandpur Sahib-Naina Devi in ​​the first phase of the Chief Minister Teerth Yatra Scheme.

Kejriwal said- Devotees will not have to spend anything

Before flagging off the buses of devotees, AAP's national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said, "This is a great opportunity for people to go on pilgrimage in their life. We had also just gone inside the buses. The buses are very luxurious, comfortable and AC. Are. People do not need to spend anything. Bhagwant Mann government will itself bear all the expenses of travel, accommodation and food. Arrangements of very good hotels have been made for the devotees. Even after reaching there, good buses have been arranged, so there is no need to worry."

15 buses left for Haridwar-Rishikesh, Mathura-Vrindavan and Khatu Shyam

National coordinator of AAP said, "Today 15 buses are going to Haridwar-Rishikesh, Mathura Ji-Vrindavan Dham and Salasar-Shri Khatu Shyam. We spoke to people inside the buses, many of whom were getting the opportunity to visit Salasar and Shri Khatu Shyam for the first time. A total of 1.5 lakh people from Punjab will be taken to various pilgrimage places in the coming months."

Appeal for prayers for the prosperity of Punjab

Extending good wishes to the devotees for their journey, Arvind Kejriwal said, "I congratulate everyone and pray for a pleasant journey. I pray that the devotees return with such blessings that Punjab becomes prosperous, the people of Punjab remain happy, and there is happiness and peace in Punjab. I wish everyone happiness, good health and a successful journey."

CM Mann said- Religious places of all religions give the message of brotherhood.

Speaking on the occasion of flagging off the buses under the Chief Minister Teerth Yatra Scheme, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "On this auspicious occasion, I heartily congratulate all the people from Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Mukerian and surrounding areas who are visiting Khatu Shyam, Salasar, Vrindavan, Mathura, Rishikesh and other places. Even before this, pilgrimage buses are running for religious places like Darbar Sahib, Ram Tirth, Amritsar Sahib, Wagah Border and Fatehgarh Sahib. Religious places of all religions give the message of humanity and mutual brotherhood."

Devotees left for various religious places in 15 buses.

The Chief Minister said, "Today 15 buses are going from Hoshiarpur to Vrindavan, Salasar, Khatu Shyam, Rishikesh and Mathura. We met the devotees and the devotees sitting in the buses are very happy and are already singing bhajans. I pray that their journey is auspicious, they go happily, singing and rejoicing and return praying for the well-being and progress of Punjab. I appeal to everyone to go for darshan and return after offering prayers, prayers and aarti for the betterment, progress and good health of Punjab."

AC sleeper bus, hotel and free food facilities

He said, "AC sleeper buses have been arranged for the travel of all the devotees and AC buses have been provided for their stay. Rooms will be arranged. Free food and care will be provided to the devotees during the entire journey. Medical insurance of every devotee will be ensured so that in case of any emergency, they can get free treatment in the empaneled hospitals. For the convenience of the devotees, an attendant will be present in each bus and a special team has been deployed on each floor so that the process of darshan goes smoothly."

After the yatra, devotees will get prasad and brass glass

The Chief Minister said, "On completion of the yatra, all the devotees will be given prasad and a brass glass as a souvenir. People of any region, caste or religion can avail the facility of these religious tours. This effort of the Punjab Government is fulfilling the wishes of those senior citizens who want to seek blessings by visiting various religious places."

15 buses from five districts leave for religious places

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "A total of 15 buses carrying devotees from five districts Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Pathankot and Gurdaspur have left from Hoshiarpur for various religious places. 10 buses will go to Rishikesh-Haridwar from Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Jalandhar and Kapurthala. Similarly, 2 buses from Phagwara and Gurdaspur will take devotees to Mathura-Vrindavan while 3 buses from Jalandhar and Gurdaspur will take devotees to Shri Khatu Shyam-Salasar."

4 lakh devotees have visited in the first phase

He said, "In the first phase of the scheme, so far 4 lakh devotees have paid obeisance at Sri Amritsar Sahib and Sri Anandpur Sahib-Naina Devi. Clusters have been formed from different districts for this pilgrimage. So far, Rs 148 crore has been spent on this pilgrimage and a target has been set to take 10 lakh devotees on these pilgrimages. A tent city has also been set up at Sri Anandpur Sahib for this special pilgrimage and the yatra is going on very smoothly." On this occasion, senior AAP leader and Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia and others were also present.