Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary flags off special train carrying 1,100 pilgrims to Somnath Dham
The governments of Bihar and Gujarat have partnered to fund a special pilgrimage for 1,100 devotees to the Somnath Dham temple. The seven-day trip is fully organized by the state authorities and the IRCTC to facilitate religious tourism.
Why it matters
This initiative demonstrates the role of state governments in promoting religious tourism and providing subsidized access to significant cultural heritage sites.
A group of 1,100 devotees on Monday (July 20, 2026) departed from Patna on a special train for Somnath Dham, one of the most revered among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
The seven-day pilgrimage is being fully funded by the governments of Bihar and Gujarat, covering everything from travel and accommodation to meals.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary flagged off the train from Patliputra Junction around 3:30 pm. The Department of Art, Culture and Youth, Government of Bihar, organised the free pilgrimage, which will come to an end on July 26.
Throughout the seven-day journey, the government will provide devotees with darshan arrangements, accommodation, meals, local transportation, medical assistance, security and other necessary facilities.
Earlier, on July 1, the Bihar cabinet, chaired by Mr.Choudhary, had sanctioned approximately Rs 2.5 crore to fund the pilgrimage.
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