Third batch pilgrims from Bokaro, Dhanbad, Giridih, Ramghar, Chatra and Koderma returned to their homes on Sunday afternoon. After completing the religious journey of Konark, Jagannathpur, Surya and lingaraja temples, all of them were rushed to Bokaro steel City railway station where they welcomed by the district administrative officials. Bokaro DC Rai M Ray was also present there.
Under this government scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Tirtha Darshan Yozana’ and with the assistance of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) the religious journey was organized. At least 951 elderly people were departed on 24 November for the religious journey in the 15 sleeper class coaches of a special pilgrimage train; Chief Minister Raghubar Das had flagged-off the train from Bokaro Steel City Station.
Appreciating the government’s move, 61 years old Sadanand who returned from the trip said, “I had never thought that I could visit lord Jagannath at Puri. Thanks to the government who took such a nice step for the elderly people and made very good and hitch-free arrangements.”
“It was my dream and cherished desire to visit a religious place before to depart from this vary world, but could not dare as we hail from the weaker section and our earnings exhausted in meeting the both ends need,” said Ragho Devi another pilgrim.