Jagannath Darshan / Odisha Govt Rolls Out Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana for 2026-27; Around 30,000 Beneficiaries to Visit Puri

Bhubaneswar, Sep 20: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Sunday launched the 2026–27 edition of the Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana (SJDY) from the conference hall of Lok Seva Bhawan, with 30,000 people set to be taken to Puri for darshan of Lord Jagannath under the scheme this year.

As part of the first phase, 910 people from Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts are scheduled to travel to Puri to have darshan of Lord Jagannath.

The scheme is aimed at providing pilgrimage opportunities to economically weaker citizens, including eligible senior citizens and widows from across Odisha.

30,000 Beneficiaries Targeted This Year
Under the 2026–27 programme, approximately 30,000 beneficiaries are expected to undertake the pilgrimage to Puri.

The SJDY guidelines state that the scheme covers economically weaker citizens aged between 60 and 75 years and widows of any age, subject to eligibility conditions. Beneficiaries must be physically fit and free from communicable diseases at the time of travel.

The scheme is applicable across Odisha and is scheduled to remain in force until March 31, 2029. Around one lakh beneficiaries are proposed to be covered during the overall duration of the scheme.

Pilgrims From 30 Districts Covered
Under the scheme guidelines, pilgrims from 21 districts will be provided a one-night stay in Puri. These districts are Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, Sambalpur, Baragada, Debagada, Jharsuguda, Sundaragada, Balangir, Subarnapur, Anugola, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Baleshwar, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj.

Beneficiaries from nine districts -- Puri, Khordha, Kataka, Jagatsinghpur, Dhenkanal, Kendrapada, Nayagada, Bhadrak and Jajpur -- will undertake a day tour to Puri.

The first group of 910 beneficiaries from Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur is part of the 2026–27 programme.

OSRTC To Manage Pilgrimage Arrangements
The scheme is being implemented through the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), in coordination with various government departments and district administrations.

Beneficiaries will be transported from their Gram Panchayats to designated congregation points at Block or District Headquarters using Mukhyamantri Bus Seva buses or other suitable transport.

From there, OSRTC will arrange travel to Puri in air-conditioned deluxe buses. Each bus will have two escort officers to assist the pilgrims during the journey.

Beneficiaries will also undergo health checks before departure. Those found unfit to travel or suffering from a communicable disease will not be allowed to undertake the journey and will be assisted in returning home.

Food, Stay And Medical Support
Pilgrims undertaking the one-night stay tour will be accommodated at Brundabati Nivas in Puri on a sharing basis. Day-tour beneficiaries will also receive food, washroom facilities and a brief rest at the facility.

Pilgrims will be provided four vegetarian meals a day, including breakfast, lunch, evening snacks with tea and dinner. Mahaprasad will also be provided as part of the pilgrimage.

The scheme provides for essential items such as toiletries, caps, fluorescent jackets, water bottles and souvenirs. Medical facilities will be available during the journey and at Brundabati Nivas.

Each pilgrim will also receive group health insurance coverage of up to Rs 3 lakh, with the cost and premium to be borne by OSRTC.

Eligibility And Selection Process
Applicants must be residents of Odisha and meet the prescribed age or widowhood criteria. They must possess documents demonstrating their economic vulnerability, including Antyodaya or Annapurna cards, NFSA ration cards, widow or old-age pension records, MGNREGS job cards or other documents recognised by the state government.

Applicants must not have previously availed the benefit under the SJDY or related Odisha government pilgrimage schemes within the preceding five years. Each beneficiary can avail the benefit only once during the duration of the scheme.

Applications are to be invited through both online and offline modes. Online applications will be submitted through a dedicated SJDY travel management portal, while offline applications can be submitted to the concerned Block Development Officer.

If applications exceed the district or Gram Panchayat-wise targets, beneficiaries will be selected through a randomisation process. A waiting list will also be prepared to fill vacancies caused by withdrawal or disqualification.

Darshan And Return Arrangements
The Shri Jagannath Temple Administration, in coordination with the Puri district administration, will facilitate darshan of Lord Jagannath for the beneficiaries.

OSRTC will deploy additional support staff in Puri to assist with coordination, while a dedicated help desk will operate at Brundabati Nivas for accommodation, darshan schedules and return arrangements.

Local transport will also be arranged between Brundabati Nivas and Shri Jagannath Temple.

The return journey will follow a similar arrangement, with pilgrims eventually being dropped at their respective Gram Panchayats.

Also Read: Puri Jagannath Temple: SJTA Secures Trademark for Shree Mandira, Ratna Bhandar, Shree Nahar

5,000 Beneficiaries Covered Earlier
The previous edition of the scheme covered around 5,000 people.

The scheme was launched by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in February, 2025, marking the beginning of the state government’s initiative to facilitate Jagannath darshan for eligible economically weaker beneficiaries.