The Uttarakhand Tourism Department is set to organise a free pilgrimage for senior citizens aged 60 years and above under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Matru-Pitru Teerthatan Yojana 2026.
Under the scheme, eligible elderly residents are taken to religious destinations in Uttarakhand. The government also provides free accommodation and meals during the pilgrimage.
This year, the Tourism Department has proposed a pilgrimage to Gangotri and Badrinath Dham. The journey is expected to begin in the first week of September. The department has already received 150 applications from eligible senior citizens.
Nainital District Tourism Officer Kirti Arya said the department has proposed organising the pilgrimage to Gangotri and Badrinath this year. Applications were invited at the departmental level, and 90 applications have been received for Badrinath and 60 for Gangotri so far.
Eligible senior citizens can still apply for the pilgrimage. Registration will be carried out through the district administration, after which the pilgrimage will be organised through the district tourism authorities.
What Are the Eligibility Rules?
Applicants will have to provide their Aadhaar card and income certificate. Retired government employees and people who pay income tax will not be eligible under the scheme.
How to Apply?
Registration will be conducted through the District Magistrate’s office. Applicants can obtain the application form from the office of the District Tourism Development Officer and submit it through the prescribed process.
The scheme aims to provide eligible senior citizens an opportunity to visit important religious destinations without having to bear the major expenses of travel, food and accommodation.
