The Sri Jagannath Darshan scheme for the financial year 2026-27 was launched at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, with the first batch of pilgrims from southern Odisha beginning their journey to Puri.
In the first phase of the programme, 910 devotees from Nabarangpur, Malkangiri and Koraput districts will travel to Puri to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath at the historic Srimandir.
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida virtually flagged off the pilgrims, marking the beginning of the scheme’s implementation for the current financial year.
Tourism Department, OSRTC And SJTA Join Hands
The pilgrimage programme is being jointly implemented by the Odisha Tourism Department, Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
The initiative is designed to facilitate devotees from different parts of the state in undertaking a pilgrimage to Puri.
The participating departments are coordinating transportation and other arrangements associated with the devotees’ journey and temple visit.
Over 10,500 Pilgrims To Visit Puri
According to programme details, the Sri Jagannath Darshan scheme was launched in February this year.
Under the current programme, devotees from 13 districts of Odisha are scheduled to visit Puri between September 20 and October 17.
A total of 10,535 pilgrims are expected to participate in the programme during this period.
The first batch comprises 910 devotees from Nabarangpur, Malkangiri and Koraput, who are among the pilgrims scheduled to visit Srimandir during the 2026-27 phase.
Pilgrimage Initiative Focuses On Devotees From Across Odisha
The scheme seeks to provide an opportunity for people from different districts to undertake a pilgrimage to the holy city of Puri.
For many devotees, visiting Srimandir and having darshan of Lord Jagannath is an important religious experience. The government-sponsored initiative aims to make such journeys accessible to beneficiaries from different parts of Odisha.
The latest phase will see pilgrims travelling in organised groups, with government agencies involved in managing the arrangements.
First Phase Begins With Southern Odisha Districts
The launch of the 2026-27 programme begins with devotees from Nabarangpur, Malkangiri and Koraput.
The virtual flag-off by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida at Lok Seva Bhavan formally marked the beginning of the latest pilgrimage phase.
Over the coming weeks, additional groups from other participating districts will travel to Puri as part of the programme.
10,535 Devotees Scheduled Between September 20 And October 17
With more than 10,500 devotees scheduled to participate, the programme will continue through October 17.
The Tourism Department, OSRTC and SJTA will work together to coordinate the movement of pilgrims and facilitate their visit to Srimandir.
The initiative is part of the state’s efforts to promote pilgrimage tourism while providing devotees from various districts an opportunity to visit one of Odisha’s most important religious destinations.
