Senior citizens in Haryana who have long wished to visit the sacred Somnath Jyotirlinga now have an excellent opportunity to do so without bearing any travel expenses. The Haryana Government has announced a special pilgrimage tour under its Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme, offering eligible residents a fully sponsored journey to one of India's most revered Shiva temples.

As part of the initiative, a special train will leave for Somnath on June 8, 2026, allowing selected pilgrims to undertake the spiritual trip free of cost. The state government will cover the travel expenses under the scheme.

With registrations already underway, interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as seats are limited and selection will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Special Somnath Pilgrimage Train to Leave on June 8

The pilgrimage is being organized under the Haryana Government's Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana.

Under the program, eligible senior citizens will be provided an opportunity to visit the famous Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gujarat without paying travel charges. The initiative aims to make religious tourism more accessible for elderly citizens who may otherwise find such journeys financially difficult.

The special train is scheduled to depart on June 8, 2026.

Registration Deadline Announced

Applications for the pilgrimage have already begun.

Interested applicants must complete their registration before:

Last Date to Apply: June 6, 2026

Since the number of available seats is limited, authorities will allot seats based on the order in which valid applications are received.

Applicants are therefore advised not to wait until the final day to complete the process.

Who Is Eligible for the Free Somnath Yatra?

The scheme is specifically designed for economically eligible senior citizens residing in Haryana.

To qualify, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

Age Requirement

• Applicant must be 60 years of age or above.

Residency Requirement

• Only permanent residents of Haryana are eligible.

Income Criteria

• Annual family income should not exceed ₹1.80 lakh.

Individuals who meet all three conditions can apply under the scheme.

Documents Required for Registration

The documentation process has been kept relatively simple.

Applicants can register using:

• Family Identity Card (Parivar Pehchan Patra - PPP)
• Family ID details

These records will be used for verification and application processing.

Authorities may seek additional information if required during verification.

How to Apply Online

The entire application process has been made digital to simplify registration.

Eligible citizens can submit their applications through the Haryana Government's official Saral Portal.

Registration Steps

1. Visit the official Saral Haryana portal.
2. Log in or create an account.
3. Search for the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Scheme.
4. Fill in the required personal and family details.
5. Verify eligibility information.
6. Submit the application online.
7. Save the acknowledgment for future reference.

Applicants should ensure that all information matches official records to avoid delays in verification.

Why Somnath Holds Special Significance

Somnath is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India and is home to the sacred Somnath Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Every year, millions of devotees visit the temple to seek blessings and participate in religious rituals.

The pilgrimage scheme provides senior citizens with an opportunity to undertake this important spiritual journey with government support.

Benefits of the Scheme

The pilgrimage program offers several advantages:

• Free travel for eligible pilgrims
• Organized transportation arrangements
• Simplified online registration process
• Financial relief for senior citizens
• Opportunity to visit one of India's most important religious sites

The initiative is part of the state's broader effort to promote spiritual tourism and support elderly residents.

Limited Seats Available

Officials have clarified that seats are limited and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis after eligibility verification.

Applicants who meet the criteria should complete the registration process as early as possible to improve their chances of securing a seat on the special pilgrimage train.