In Kendrapara district, 67-year-old retired farmer Raghunath Behera had wanted to visit Varanasi and Rameswaram for years. Rising travel costs made the journey difficult after retirement. While visiting the local Tehsil office, he learned about the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana Odisha, a government-sponsored pilgrimage scheme for senior citizens.
After submitting his application with a Medical Fitness Certificate and Aadhaar details, his name was selected through the computerized lottery process. The Odisha Government arranged train travel, accommodation, meals, and local transportation during the pilgrimage.
“I never thought I could complete this journey without worrying about expenses,” he said after returning home.
💡 Quick Answer
Scheme: Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana Odisha 2026
Beneficiaries: Odisha senior citizens aged 60 years and above
Benefit: Free pilgrimage tour with travel, food, lodging and medical support
Selection Method: Computerized lottery system
Official Portal: Odisha Tourism Department
⚡ 2026 Update
Odisha Tourism continues to operate the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana through district-level applications. Updated guidelines, eligibility conditions, application forms, declarations, and pilgrimage instructions are available on the official Tourism Department portal. Applicants should download only the latest forms from the government website before applying.
What is Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana Odisha?
The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) is a welfare initiative of the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha. The scheme helps elderly citizens undertake free pilgrimage tours to important religious destinations across India through specially arranged IRCTC-supported travel facilities.
The government bears major expenses including transportation, accommodation, food arrangements, and basic medical assistance during the journey.
Eligibility Criteria for BNTYY Odisha 2026
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Odisha |
| Residency | Permanent resident of Odisha |
| Age Limit | 60 years or above |
| Income Tax Status | Should not be an Income Tax payer |
| Medical Condition | Must be physically fit for travel |
| Medical Certificate | Mandatory |
| Benefit Frequency | Usually once during lifetime |
Destinations Covered Under Odisha Tirtha Yatra Scheme
Pilgrimage destinations may vary according to annual schedules issued by Odisha Tourism.
Common destinations include:
- Puri
- Varanasi
- Haridwar
- Rameswaram
- Prayagraj (Allahabad)
- Dwarka
- Other approved religious locations
Final destinations are announced in official district notifications before every pilgrimage batch.
Documents Required
Applicants should keep the following documents ready:
📄 Aadhaar Card
📄 Odisha Residence Certificate
📄 Medical Fitness Certificate from Government Doctor
📄 Passport Size Photograph
📄 Mobile Number
📄 Self Declaration (if required in current batch notification)
📄 Age Proof Documents
How to Apply for Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana Odisha?
Step 1
Visit your nearest Tehsil Office or District Collectorate when applications are announced.
Step 2
Collect the official BNTYY application form free of cost.
Step 3
Fill personal details carefully and select the preferred pilgrimage destination.
Step 4
Attach required documents including Medical Fitness Certificate and Aadhaar copy.
Step 5
Submit the completed form to the designated district office.
Step 6
Keep the acknowledgement copy safely for future reference.
Download BNTYY Odisha Application Form PDF
The latest application form, declaration formats, medical fitness certificate format, and scheme guidelines can be downloaded from:
Official Scheme Page
Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) Odisha
Applicants should avoid downloading forms from unofficial websites because district authorities generally accept only prescribed formats released by Odisha Tourism.
Selection List Process
One of the most searched queries is:
Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana Odisha Selection List 2026
Since available seats are limited, final passengers are selected through a computerized draw of lots.
| Stage | Status |
|---|---|
| Application Submitted | Form received |
| Verification | Documents checked |
| Lottery Process | Computerized selection |
| Selected | Eligible for pilgrimage batch |
| Waiting List | Seat not currently available |
| Rejected | Eligibility/document issue |
The final selection list is generally displayed:
- District Collectorate Notice Board
- District Administration Offices
- Official Odisha Tourism announcements
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Medical certificate rejected | Use government-approved medical certificate format |
| Age mismatch | Update Aadhaar and supporting records |
| Incomplete application | Re-submit with all required documents |
| Not selected in lottery | Apply again when next batch opens |
| Wrong contact number | Update details before verification process |
Official Links
| Service | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Odisha Tourism Department | Odisha Tourism Portal |
| BNTYY Scheme Page | BNTYY Official Page |
| Application Forms & Guidelines | Forms and Guidelines Section |
FAQs
Who can apply for Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana Odisha?
Permanent residents of Odisha aged 60 years or above who satisfy the scheme conditions can apply.
Is the pilgrimage completely free?
Yes. Travel, accommodation, food, and basic assistance are arranged under the scheme.
Is a Medical Fitness Certificate compulsory?
Yes. A fitness certificate issued by a government medical officer is mandatory.
How is the selection list prepared?
Eligible applicants are selected through a computerized lottery system.
Can husband and wife apply together?
Yes, if both fulfill the eligibility criteria and submit valid applications.
Where can I download the application form PDF?
The latest application form PDF and guidelines are available on the official Odisha Tourism website.
Is online registration available?
The application process is generally managed through district-level administration and official notifications. Applicants should follow the latest instructions issued by Odisha Tourism.
How many times can a person avail the benefit?
The scheme is generally intended as a one-time pilgrimage benefit for eligible senior citizens.
Final Note
For many elderly citizens across Odisha, religious travel remains a lifelong wish that often gets postponed because of financial limitations. The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana Odisha 2026 helps bridge that gap by providing free pilgrimage facilities through a government-supported process.
Before applying, download the latest guidelines and application forms only from the official Odisha Tourism portal and ensure that all documents, especially the Medical Fitness Certificate, are complete and valid.