Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today announced that in view of the enthusiasm shown by the pilgrims for 'Sindhu Darshan Utsav' in Leh, the state Government would sponsor 100 pilgrims of Haryana domicile from next year.
He was speaking at a function organised in connection with 19th Sindhu Darshan Mahotsav at Panchkula near here, an official release said here today.
The Chief Minister also flagged off the Sindhu Darshan Yatra from Sector-14, Panchkula and wished the pilgrims safe and successful journey.
Khattar said that it was for the first time that the state government has sponsored 50 pilgrims of Haryana domicile to visit 'Sindhu Darshan Utsav' in Leh-Ladakh scheduled to be held from June 23 to 26, 2015.
He said that the state government would bear 50 per cent of travel expenses of 50 pilgrims, subject to a maximum of Rs 10,000.
"However, keeping in view the overwhelming response shown by the pilgrims for this Yatra, the State government has decided to sponsor 100 pilgrims for this Utsav next year," he said.
While underlining the importance of Sindhu Darshan Yatra, the Chief Minister said that such programmes not only provide an opportunity to visit places of religious importance but also help in integrating the history and culture of our country.
Khattar said that earlier he also got an opportunity to become a part of this yatra.
"Sindhu Darshan Yatra is a pilgrimage as it takes us to ancient and holy Sindhu river where the vedic culture has blossomed," he said.
Khattar further said that credit for starting the Sindhu Darshan Yatra goes to BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government.
"It was L K Advani who started the Sindhu Darshan Abhiyan in the year 1996. Since then, Sindhu Darshan Yatra is being organised every year," he said.
