Raipur/Ambikapur: Under the Ramlala Darshan Yojana, run under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, 850 devotees from Surguja division left for Ayodhya Dham and Kashi Vishwanath Darshan on Thursday by Bharat Gaurav train.

An atmosphere of devotion and enthusiasm reigned at Ambikapur Railway Station from early morning. Devotees arrived at the station chanting "Jai Shri Ram," "Har Har Mahadev," and "Jai Siya Ram." Family members applied tilak and showered flowers to the passengers, bidding them farewell with best wishes.

The Bharat Gaurav train was flagged off by public representatives and officials. Mayor Manjusha Bhagat, Chairman Harvinder Singh Tinni, District Panchayat President Nirupa Singh, and other public representatives were present.

Officials of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, District Administration and IRCTC welcomed the passengers and wished them a successful journey.

Under the Ramlala Darshan Yojana, devotees will be given darshan of Lord Ramlala in Shri Ayodhya Dham and Baba Vishwanath in Kashi.

Rail travel, accommodation, pure vegetarian meals, drinking water, local transportation, medical assistance, and security are provided free of charge throughout the journey. Special facilities are also provided for senior citizens, women, and disabled travelers.

Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai said that a devotee's financial situation should not hinder their faith. With this in mind, the state government is providing free religious pilgrimage opportunities to thousands of people.

Tourism and Culture Minister Rajesh Agarwal said that this scheme is not just a religious tour, but a campaign to strengthen Indian culture, spiritual values ​​and social harmony.

Many elderly devotees who left for the pilgrimage said emotionally that due to financial reasons they could not go to Ayodhya and Kashi throughout their life, but this scheme fulfilled their long-cherished dream.

The devotees expressed their gratitude to the state government and called it a very commendable initiative for the common people.