Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday announced that a grand Somnath Yatra will be organised from the state on June 8, 2026, stating that the Somnath Temple stands as a symbol of India’s eternal faith, rich cultural heritage and the resurgence of national self-respect.
Addressing a function under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana at Kurukshetra Railway Station, the Chief Minister flagged off a special pilgrimage train to Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, and interacted with the pilgrims, conveying his best wishes for a safe and spiritually enriching journey.
Referring to the Government of India’s initiative, he said that under the “Somnath Swabhimaan Parv”, a year-long national commemoration will be observed till January 11, 2027. He called upon pilgrims to imbibe the teachings of Guru Sahib in their lives, stating that the true success of such journeys lies in practicing the values of service, sacrifice and righteousness.
Highlighting the spiritual significance of the initiative, the Chief Minister said that the special train serves as a symbolic bridge between Kurukshetra, the land where Lord Krishna delivered the message of the Bhagavad Gita and Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, the sacred site where Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji attained ‘Joti Jot’. He said this initiative reflects the continuous and vibrant flow of India’s spiritual traditions.
Emphasising the broader role of pilgrimage, he stated that such initiatives not only strengthen religious faith but also promote social harmony and connect the younger generation with their cultural roots. He credited Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi for giving unprecedented impetus to the preservation and promotion of India’s religious and cultural heritage, citing key initiatives such as the development of heritage circuits under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and the inauguration of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
The Chief Minister recalled that the Prime Minister had paid tribute to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at a state-level function in Kurukshetra and released commemorative coins, stamps and a coffee table book in his honour. He further said that December 26 is observed annually as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ in memory of the Sahibzadas of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, reflecting the nation’s deep respect for their sacrifice.
Providing details of the pilgrimage, he informed that more than 800 pilgrims from nine districts are undertaking the journey, with comprehensive arrangements made for their safety, security, food and overall comfort. Reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive access, the Chief Minister said that special provisions have been made to ensure that elderly citizens and economically weaker sections are not deprived of pilgrimage opportunities due to financial constraints.
Financial assistance is being provided under various schemes for visits to major pilgrimage destinations, including Sindhu Darshan, Kailash Mansarovar and prominent Sikh shrines such as Sri Hazur Sahib, Sri Hemkund Sahib, Sri Nankana Sahib and Sri Patna Sahib. He further informed that under the Swarna Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Yojana, financial assistance is being extended to pilgrims visiting key Sikh religious sites.
He also highlighted that the state government has taken several steps to support religious institutions, including the allotment of land to Gurdwara Sri Chilla Sahib, Sirsa, and the naming of public infrastructure after revered Guru Sahibans. Several dignitaries, including public representatives and senior officials, were present on the occasion.