Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 8: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, will facilitate the pilgrimage of Ram devotees from Jammu & Kashmir to Ayodhya. The Northern Railways is running special ‘Astha’ trains which will be operated from Katra, Udhampur, and Jammu Railway Stations to facilitate this sacred journey.
This was stated by Yudhvir Sethi, J&K BJP vice president and convener of Ram Darshan Ayodhya, while addressing a press conference at party Headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. Sanjita Dogra, president BJP Mahila Morcha, J&K and Reema Padha, co-convenors of Ram Darshan Ayodhya were also present.
Yudhvir Sethi informed that the special Astha trains are scheduled to run on February 13, 16, 20, and 27, as well as on March 1 and 5, 2024, providing devotees with convenient travel options to visit the holy city of Ayodhya. He said these trains will depart from Katra, Udhampur, and Jammu Railway Stations, ensuring accessibility for devotees from various regions of Jammu & Kashmir.
He informed that the J&K based Member Parliaments will give a rousing reception to the devotees at Ayodhya.
Sethi informed that the district offices of the BJP across the Union Territory will extend all possible support to Ram devotees by assisting them in train ticket bookings, arranging accommodations, providing local conveniences, and facilitating their Darshan at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
This initiative comes at a significant time, as it marks the first collective pilgrimage of Ram devotees to Ayodhya since the consecration ceremony at the holy temple on January 22. The inaugural ‘Astha’ train, which commenced its journey on February 6, received an overwhelming response from devotees, reflecting the enthusiasm and devotion of the people towards Lord Ram.
Yudhvir Sethi expressed that this sacred journey to Ayodhya will not only deepen spiritual bonds but also reinforce the spirit of nationalism among devotees across the country. Emphasizing the significance of pilgrimage, he highlighted its role in fostering unity and solidarity. He extended gratitude to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi for fulfilling the dreams of crores of people of the country with the historic construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya after a gap of nearly 500 years.
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