Introduction The Government of Odisha launched the Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana on 13 February 2026 Through this initiative, the Tourism Department of Odisha, in coordination with other departments, organizes and manages free pilgrimage visits for eligible beneficiaries. The government covers travel, food, accommodation (as per district eligibility), Mahaprasad, insurance coverage, and essential travel kits to ensure a safe and dignified darshan experience. The scheme mainly supports senior citizens aged 60-75 years and widowed women up to 75 years of age who belong to economically weaker sections. There is no separate online application process; eligible beneficiaries are identified through official records, and consent is collected at the Gram Panchayat level before final selection and travel arrangements are made. Beneficiaries can contact the Panchayat Executive Officer for further assistance. Benefits Under the Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana, selected devotees will receive :- Free travel to Puri for darshan at Jagannath Temple. Free Mahaprasad during the visit. Transportation in AC buses. Free food and accommodation (as per district eligibility). A kit bag containing essential items such as toiletries, cap, fluorescent safety item, water bottle, and souvenirs. Group health insurance coverage up to Rs. 3 lakh. All major expenses related to travel, stay, and meals are borne by the Odisha Government.. Eligibility Applicants must meet the following conditions to receive the benefit of Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana :- Must be a permanent resident of Odisha. Must belong to an economically weaker section. Senior citizens aged between 60 and 75 years are eligible. Widowed women up to 75 years of age are eligible. Must be physically and mentally fit for travel. Must not be suffering from any communicable disease. The benefit can be availed only once. Documents Applicants need to provide the following documents for verification :- Any one proof of residence. (Domicile Certificate, Voter ID, Aadhaar Card, Revenue Land Record, Land Patta, or similar document) Aadhaar Card. Death Certificate. (for widow applicants) Recent passport-size photograph. Mobile number. Emergency contact number. Process to Apply There is no separate online application process for this scheme. The Tourism Department fixes targets at district, block, and Gram Panchayat levels. Eligible beneficiaries are identified primarily from the Social Security Pension database maintained by the Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department. During pension disbursement, the Gram Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) informs eligible individuals about the scheme and collects written consent from those willing to undertake the pilgrimage. Applicants who are not receiving Social Security Pension but meet eligibility criteria can submit written consent along with supporting documents to the concerned PEO for consideration. The PEO may request additional documents for verification. After identification, beneficiaries are selected through a randomization process. The list is forwarded to the Block Development Officer, and after verification, the final list is sent to the District Administration and the transport authority for arranging travel. Participation is completely voluntary. Important Links Official Guidelines of Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana. Official Website of Odisha Tourism Department. Contact For assistance or queries regarding the scheme, beneficiaries may contact the Tourism Department, Government of Odisha :- Phone :- 0674-2432177 / 0674-2431896 Email :- info@odishatourism.gov.in Applicants may also contact their respective Gram Panchayat Executive Officer for local assistance.