Patna: The Bihar govt has intensified preparations for a special pilgrimage to the Somnath Temple in Gujarat with around 1,100 devotees set to depart on July 20 aboard a fully air-conditioned special train as part of a nationwide campaign marking the 75th anniversary of the temple’s reconstruction.The six-day pilgrimage is being organised by the state’s art, culture and youth department under the Union culture ministry’s ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv – 1,000 Years of Unbroken Faith’ campaign. The pilgrimage will be undertaken free of cost for participants. The state cabinet recently approved Rs 2.5 crore for the initiative.The special train will leave Patna Junction on July 20 and return on July 26 after a two-day stay at Somnath Dham. The Bihar govt will bear the entire cost of travel, accommodation, meals, local transport, medical assistance, security, travel kits and other essential services. The tour is being organised in coordination with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Interested devotees have been asked to contact their respective district art and culture officers for registration.Reviewing the preparations on Friday, art, culture and youth department secretary Pranav Kumar inspected arrangements at Pataliputra Railway Station and directed officials to ensure seamless coordination among all agencies. He reviewed facilities for passenger registration, seating, platform management, security, drinking water, sanitation, medical support, baggage handling and information counters.Art, culture and youth minister Pramod Kumar said the pilgrimage was aimed at promoting awareness of India’s cultural heritage while providing devotees with a safe and well-organised spiritual experience.“Somnath is not merely a temple but a symbol of India’s faith, cultural consciousness and national pride. All arrangements are being made with the convenience and safety of pilgrims as the top priority,” he said.
