Patna: More than 1,100 pilgrims departed from Patliputra Junction in Patna on Monday aboard a special train for the Somnath Temple in Gujarat as the Somnath Aastha Yatra commenced. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary flagged off the train in the presence of ministers, legislators and railway officials.
According to the organisers, the pilgrimage aims to facilitate travel for devotees from Bihar to one of Hinduism’s prominent pilgrimage sites. Pilgrims from several districts of the state are participating in the journey.
Pilgrims Receive Ceremonial Welcome
A ceremonial programme was held at Patliputra Junction before the train’s departure. The Chief Minister and other dignitaries greeted passengers and interacted with pilgrims inside the train.
According to the organisers, pilgrims were presented with ceremonial kalash and saffron scarves before boarding. The station witnessed devotional chants as families and supporters gathered to see off the passengers.
Participants Arrive From Across Bihar
Officials said the special train is carrying pilgrims from multiple districts of Bihar, including members of social and religious organisations as well as individual devotees travelling with their families.
The event drew public representatives and BJP leaders from across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Cooperation Minister Ram Kripal Yadav, BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, senior railway officials and district administration representatives were among those present at the flag-off ceremony.
Government Highlights Religious Tourism
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said the state government is working to promote religious tourism by facilitating pilgrimages to important religious destinations.
Referring to the Somnath Temple, he spoke about its historical significance and recalled that India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, had attended the temple’s inauguration after its reconstruction.
The Chief Minister urged pilgrims to pray for Bihar’s development during their visit and encouraged them to seek blessings at Kashi Vishwanath and Baidyanath Dham during their journey.
Security and Passenger Arrangements
According to railway officials, security arrangements were strengthened at Patliputra Junction before the train’s departure, while passenger facilities were put in place to ensure a smooth journey.
As the train left the station, pilgrims chanted devotional slogans and several passengers thanked the organisers for arranging the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims Welcome the Initiative
Among the passengers was Anuj Kumar Singh from Bhagalpur, who expressed appreciation for the launch of the special train.
According to Singh, the pilgrimage provides devotees from Bihar with an organised opportunity to visit the Somnath Temple.
What’s Next
The special train will transport pilgrims to Somnath in Gujarat before returning to Bihar after the scheduled pilgrimage. According to the organisers, the journey forms part of broader efforts to promote religious tourism and improve access to major pilgrimage destinations for devotees from the state.
