Special pilgrimage to Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath aims to strengthen cultural and spiritual connections in Chhattisgarh
Published on: August 11, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
The Chhattisgarh Tourism Board today flagged off a special contingent of 850 devotees from Raipur district under its ambitious “Ram Lalla Darshan Ayodhya Dham Yojana.” The group, traveling in specially arranged railway coaches, will visit the revered temples of Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya before returning to Raipur.
The send-off ceremony, held in Raipur, was presided over by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Chairperson Neelu Sharma, who was joined by prominent public representatives including Sunil Soni, MLA (South Raipur); Motilal Sahu, MLA (Rural Raipur); Anuj Sharma, MLA (Dharsiwa); Ramesh Thakur, District BJP President (Raipur); and Nande Sahu, former MLA (Rural Raipur).
Tourism Board Managing Director Vivek Acharya (IFS) and General Manager Vedvrat Sirmour (SPS) were also present to oversee the arrangements.
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In her address, Neelu Sharma described the initiative as “a remarkable effort to reconnect the people of Chhattisgarh with their cultural and spiritual heritage.” She added, “This journey offers devotees the blessing of witnessing Lord Ram in his grand temple at Ayodhya as well as the divine experience of visiting Kashi Vishwanath — an unforgettable moment in one’s life.”
The departure was marked by ceremonial flower showers and the traditional offering of coconuts to the pilgrims. The devotees’ itinerary will take them first to Varanasi, where they will pay homage at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, followed by a journey to Ayodhya Dham for darshan of Ram Lalla.
Local legislators and dignitaries praised the state government and the Tourism Board for their efforts in organizing such large-scale pilgrimages. They noted that initiatives like this not only provide spiritual enrichment but also help citizens remain connected to their cultural roots in an era of rapid modernization.
The “Ram Lalla Darshan Ayodhya Dham Yojana” is part of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board’s broader mission to promote religious tourism and foster a deeper understanding of India’s heritage among its residents. Earlier phases of the program have successfully taken devotees from other districts to prominent pilgrimage sites across the country.
By blending logistical efficiency with cultural devotion, the scheme has won appreciation from both participants and the wider community. As the 850-strong group sets forth, the initiative is being hailed as a shining example of how state-led tourism can nurture faith, unity, and pride in tradition.
