Odisha Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana (SJDY)

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana (SJDY) is a pilgrimage scheme of the Government of Odisha implemented by the Tourism Department to provide economically weaker senior citizens and eligible widows an opportunity to visit Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri. Under the scheme, selected beneficiaries are supported with organised pilgrimage arrangements so that financial constraints and travel-related difficulties do not prevent them from having Darshan of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath. The SJDY focuses on making the pilgrimage safe, comfortable and accessible for eligible beneficiaries from across Odisha.

The scheme is designed as an organised Government-supported pilgrimage rather than a direct cash-assistance programme. Under the notified arrangements, selected beneficiaries are provided pilgrimage-related facilities such as transportation, food, health support, accommodation where applicable, Darshan facilitation and other assistance required during the journey. The main objective of this scheme is to provide an organised, safe and comfortable pilgrimage opportunity, while promoting spiritual enrichment, emotional satisfaction and social harmony among beneficiaries.

The Shri Jagannath Darshan Scheme is applicable across Odisha and is planned to continue through 31 March 2029. The operational guideline envisages approximately 1,00,000 beneficiaries during the overall scheme period. The scheme divides districts into two travel patterns: beneficiaries from 21 districts are provided a one-night stay at Puri, while beneficiaries from 9 districts undertake a day tour.

The scheme subsequently progressed from the guideline stage to full implementation. On 13 February 2026, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi formally launched the Shree Jagannath Darshan Yojana at Nabarangpur. The initiative was simultaneously flagged off from five locations across the state- Nabarangpur, Bhadrak, Baripada, Sambalpur and Berhampur. In its first year, the scheme aimed to benefit 5,000 devotees, with a broader target of covering more than one lakh beneficiaries over the next four years.

In addition to Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana, the Tourism Department of Odisha also implements the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana. This scheme is aimed at enabling senior citizens from economically weaker sections to undertake pilgrimage to important religious places with Government support, covering travel and related arrangements so that elderly devotees can fulfil their spiritual aspirations.

Scheme Benefits

The key facilities provided under the Odisha Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana (SJDY) include:

• Transportation to Puri: Organised transportation is provided for the pilgrimage journey.
• Gram Panchayat-level transport: Transportation is arranged from the beneficiary’s local starting point or congregation centre to the designated Block/District boarding point and onward to Puri.
• AC deluxe bus journey: The main journey to Puri is arranged through AC deluxe buses under the operational framework.
• Health check-up: Beneficiaries undergo health screening before undertaking the journey.
• Vegetarian meals: Four vegetarian meals are provided during the pilgrimage - breakfast, lunch, evening snacks with tea, and dinner.
• Mahaprasad: Mahaprasad is included as part of the pilgrimage arrangements.
• Accommodation: Beneficiaries from the designated 21 districts are provided a one-night stay at Puri according to the notified itinerary.
• Day-tour facilities: Beneficiaries from the designated 9 districts undertake a day tour and receive the facilities specified for the day-tour arrangement.
• Kit bag: A kit bag containing essential items is also provided to each beneficiary.
• Health insurance: Each pilgrim is covered under a group health insurance policy of up to ₹3 lakh, with the premium borne by OSRTC.
• Medical assistance: A beneficiary requiring medical attention during the journey can receive treatment at a Government medical facility according to the scheme arrangements.
• Escort support: Escort officers and other support personnel accompany the pilgrims according to the operational arrangements.
• Darshan facilitation: Shri Jagannath Temple Administration, in coordination with the Puri district administration, facilitates Darshan at Shri Jagannath Temple.
• Local transportation at Puri: Transportation is arranged between the accommodation/congregation facility and Shri Jagannath Temple according to the itinerary.
• Return journey: Arrangements are made for the return journey to the respective designated local point.

District-wise Travel Pattern

Districts receiving one-night stay at Puri. Beneficiaries from the following 21 districts are covered under the one-night-stay arrangement:

• Ganjam
• Gajapati
• Kandhamal
• Boudh Sambalpur
• Bargarh
• Deogarh
• Jharsuguda
• Sundargarh
• Balangir
• Subarnapur
• Angul
• Koraput
• Rayagada
• Nabarangpur
• Malkangiri
• Kalahandi
• Nuapada
• Balasore
• Keonjhar
• Mayurbhanj

Districts covered under day-tour arrangement

The following 9 districts are covered under the day-tour arrangement:

• Puri
• Khordha
• Cuttack
• Jagatsinghpur
• Dhenkanal
• Kendrapada
• Nayagarh
• Bhadrak
• Jajpur

Eligibility Requirements

According to the currently applicable eligibility information and SJDY implementation provisions, applicants must satisfy the prescribed conditions.

• Senior citizens must generally be between 60 and 75 years.
• Widows whose age does not exceed 75 years.
• The beneficiary must belong to the prescribed economically weaker/deprived category.
• The implementation process has specifically identified eligible senior citizens receiving old-age pension and eligible widows covered under applicable widow-pension schemes.
• Documents such as Antyodaya/Annapurna Card, NFSA ration card, Old Age/Widow Pension document and MGNREGS Job Card are recognised in the scheme's economic-status documentation framework.
• The applicant must satisfy the prescribed Odisha residence/domicile condition.
• The beneficiary must be physically fit to undertake the pilgrimage and must not be suffering from a communicable disease at the time of travel.
• Participation requires the beneficiary's consent under the implementation process.
• A beneficiary can avail the benefit only once during the duration of the scheme.

Who May Be Disqualified?

• Applicants who do not meet the age, economic status, domicile, or health conditions above.
• Applicants who have already availed benefits under this scheme, or any similar pilgrimage scheme of the Government of Odisha.
• Persons found unfit at the health check-up, or detected with a communicable disease.
• Applicants who provide false or incorrect information.
• Applicants whose applications are incomplete or do not contain the documents required under the applicable application process.

Required Documents

As per the official application procedure, every applicant must submit the duly filled-in application form along with the following documents.

• Age proof
• Identity Card (Aadhaar Card/ PAN Card)
• Proof of Odisha residence/domicile
• Proof of economic status
• Old Age/Widow Pension document, where applicable
• Antyodaya/Annapurna Card, NFSA ration card or MGNREGS Job Card, where applicable
• Photograph
• Health/fitness declaration or certificate, wherever required
• Any additional document specifically requested by the Department or competent authority.

Steps to Apply

The current Shri Jagannath Darshan Scheme process should be followed according to the schedule and instructions displayed by the Department of Tourism on the official SJDY portal. The following steps are followed in the process:

• Visit the official SJDY portal before applying or visiting a local office.
• The Department may prescribe the procedure and application window for each cycle.
• Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies are involved in the beneficiary identification/verification process according to the applicable procedure.
• Eligible beneficiaries must complete the prescribed application or consent process.
• The concerned authorities verify the applicant's eligibility and supporting information.
• Where the number of eligible beneficiaries exceeds the applicable target, the prescribed randomization/e-randomization process is used for selection.
• A waiting list may be prepared to fill vacancies caused by withdrawal or disqualification.
• Selected/identified beneficiaries must provide the required consent to participate.
• After that, selected beneficiaries are informed about the pilgrimage schedule and reporting arrangements through the prescribed communication process.
• Beneficiaries report at the notified local/congregation point and are transported according to the approved itinerary.

How the Pilgrimage Is Conducted

• The operational guideline provides an organised journey involving local administration, transport authorities and the temple administration.
• Pilgrims assemble at the notified local/congregation point.
• Transport is arranged to the designated Block/District point.
• Health screening is undertaken before departure.
• Pilgrims travel onward to Puri through the designated transport arrangement.
• Food and other notified facilities are provided during the journey.
• Pilgrims from the applicable districts receive accommodation at Puri.
• Darshan of Shri Jagannath is facilitated in coordination with the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration and Puri district administration.
• Mahaprasad and other notified pilgrimage facilities are provided.
• Local transport is arranged according to the itinerary.
• The return journey is organised after completion of the pilgrimage.

Relevant Links

• Guidelines of Odisha Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana (SJDY)
• Revised Guidelines of Odisha Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana
• Odisha Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana (SJDY) Application Form
• Odisha Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana Consent Form
• Department of Tourism, Odisha Portal
• Odisha Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana (SJDY) Portal

Contact Information

• Odisha Shri Jagannath Darshan Yojana (SJDY) Helpline Number: 9668662978, 6371298317
• Department of Tourism, Odisha Helpline Number: 0674-2432177/ 0674-2431896
• Department of Tourism, Odisha Helpdesk Email: [email protected]