CHENNAI: As many as 602 elderly pilgrims in the age group of 60-70 years will complete their week-long Kashi pilgrimage in Rameswaram on Friday. The HR and CE department, which is organising the pilgrimage in association with IRCTC, will bear the full cost and ensure the facilities needed for the pilgrims.
The tour started with sand taken from the sea in Rameswaram to be immersed it in the Ganga river and Triveni Sangamam in Prayagraj. The special train for this pilgrimage was flagged off by HR and CE Minister PK Sekarbabu on December 6.
The team of pilgrims will complete their pilgrimage on Friday by performing a pooja at the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram with the Ganga water collected from Triveni Sangamam. The HR and CE department has also made arrangements for their return journey to their native places from Rameswaram.
HR&CE joint commissioner (Erode region) AT Paranjothi, who is in charge of the pilgrimage, told TNIE that the pilgrimage, which began in 2022 with 200 pilgrims by allotting a separate coach, has now been extended to allotting a special train from Rameswaram to Kashi and Triveni Sangamam, and back to Rameswaram. The government has allocated Rs 1.5 crore for the programme this year. Two doctors, two nurses, and 15 officials accompanied the pilgrims.
Paranjothi said the pilgrimage gives an opportunity to elderly people whose annual income is under Rs 2 lakh. A medical fitness certificate is necessary considering their age. Elderly couples are given preference while selecting the pilgrims. Since 2022, the government has allocated Rs 3.8 crore for the pilgrimage. Each of the 602 pilgrims were given a kit containing 18 items including a blanket, shawl, sweater, umbrella, Amrutanjan, eversilver plate, tumbler, biscuit pockets, toiletaries and pooja materials.