Introduction Deendayal Matru-Pitru Tirthatan Yojana is a pilgrimage assistance scheme designed for senior citizens who wish to visit important religious destinations without worrying about travel expenses. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries are provided organized pilgrimage facilities including transportation, accommodation, meals, and guidance throughout the journey. The pilgrimage is conducted through designated batches and covers various renowned religious destinations across the country. Travel arrangements are managed through the state transport system, while accommodation is provided at approved tourist rest houses. Beneficiaries are also provided meals and assistance during the entire pilgrimage period, making the journey comfortable and hassle-free for elderly citizens. Applicants can choose one pilgrimage destination from the list notified for a particular year. The scheme generally covers a journey of around four days, although the duration may vary depending on the selected destination. The scheme also offers special provisions for elderly pilgrims who require personal assistance. Beneficiaries aged 70 years or above, or those with disabilities and physical limitations, may be allowed to travel with an attendant. Applications are accepted through the concerned District Tourism Development Office, and beneficiaries are generally selected on a first-come, first-served basis subject to the district-wise quota fixed for the year. Benefits Free pilgrimage to one approved religious destination under the scheme. Free transportation arranged through government-authorized transport services. Free accommodation during the pilgrimage period. Complimentary meals throughout the journey. Guidance and support through designated group coordinators. Travel and pilgrimage arrangements managed by the concerned authorities. Special assistance provisions for elderly and physically weak pilgrims. Attendants accompanying eligible beneficiaries may receive concession on travel charges as per scheme guidelines. Opportunity to visit major religious destinations without bearing the full cost of travel. Pilgrimage Destinations Covered Yamunotri Dham Gangotri Dham Kedarnath Dham Badrinath Dham Hemkund Sahib Piran Kaliyar Sharif Nanakmatta Sahib Reetha Sahib Tarkeshwar Mahadev Kalimath Jageshwar Dham Baijnath Temple Golu Devta Temple Gangolihat Mahasu Devta Temple Kalinka Devi Temple Jwalpa Devi Temple Ayodhya Mathura Varanasi Amritsar Shri Khatu Shyam Ji Eligibility Applicant must be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand. Applicant should be 60 years of age or above. Only one pilgrimage benefit can be availed during a lifetime. Applicants must submit an affidavit declaring that they have not previously availed the scheme benefit. Senior citizen couples may travel together subject to the applicable eligibility conditions. Selection is made according to the district quota and registration sequence. Applicants must be physically fit to undertake the pilgrimage. Ineligibility Conditions Retired government employees are not eligible. Income tax payers cannot avail benefits under the scheme. Individuals who have already availed the scheme once are not eligible again. Applicants failing to satisfy age, residency, or verification requirements may be rejected. Documents required for application Aadhaar Card. Age proof document. Permanent residence certificate. Income proof. Recent passport-size photographs. Medical fitness certificate. Self-declaration affidavit stating that the benefit has not been availed earlier. Completed application form. Any additional documents required by the Tourism Department. Process to Apply Visit the office of the concerned District Tourism Development Officer (DTDO). Obtain the prescribed application form for the pilgrimage scheme. Fill in personal details, address information, age details, and preferred pilgrimage destination. Select one destination from the destinations available for the current year's pilgrimage programme. Attach all required supporting documents. Submit the completed application form to the concerned tourism office. The submitted application and documents are verified by the department. Eligible applicants are selected based on availability of seats and district-wise targets. Selected beneficiaries receive travel instructions and pilgrimage identity documents. Report at the designated departure point on the scheduled date to participate in the pilgrimage. Important Links and Contact Tourism Department Official Website Tourism Department Contact Directory District Tourism Development Officers Contact Numbers: Uttarkashi – +91 7300799201 Haridwar – +91 9412076849 Rudraprayag – +91 8882976860 Pauri – +91 8279868075 Almora – +91 9412998517 Nainital – +91 9458300455, +91 7895737015 Udham Singh Nagar – +91 8392911389 Champawat – +91 7895229267 Bageshwar – +91 9412998517 Pithoragarh – +91 9895737015 Tehri – +91 7300799202 Dehradun – +91 7060038440 Chamoli – +91 9012353111 FAQs Q1. What is Deendayal Matru-Pitru Tirthatan Yojana?It is a pilgrimage assistance scheme that provides free travel, accommodation, meals, and other facilities to eligible senior citizens for visiting approved religious destinations. Q2. Who can apply under the scheme?Permanent residents aged 60 years or above can apply subject to the eligibility conditions prescribed by the authorities. Q3. Is the pilgrimage completely free?Yes, selected beneficiaries receive travel, accommodation, meals, and pilgrimage support facilities under the scheme. Q4. Can a beneficiary choose any pilgrimage destination?Applicants can select one destination from the list of destinations notified under the pilgrimage programme for that year. Q5. Can a senior citizen bring an attendant?Yes, eligible beneficiaries aged 70 years or above or those requiring assistance may be allowed to travel with an attendant as per scheme guidelines. Q6. How are beneficiaries selected?Selection is generally made on a first-come, first-served basis according to district-wise targets and seat availability. Q7. Can a person avail the scheme more than once?No, the benefit can normally be availed only once during a lifetime. Q8. Where can applications be submitted?Applications can be submitted offline at the office of the concerned District Tourism Development Officer.