Matters India reporter
Hazaribagh,August 30, 2019: At least 145 people selected from the Christian community from North Chotanagpur Division, Hazaribagh departed on a pilgrimage to Kolkata under the ‘Mukhyamantri Tirtha Darshan Yojana’ on August 28.
Bokaro Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Kumar flagged-off the train.
The Basilica of the Holy Rosary commonly known as Bandel Church established in 1599 is one of the oldest Christian churches in Eastern India.
Hailed as a historic Marian pilgrim centre, Bandel Church is situated in Bandel, Hooghly district of West Bengal. It stands as a memorial to the Portuguese settlement on the banks of Hooghly river drawing hundreds of Marian devotees irrespective of caste and creed.
Speaking on the occasion the DC Kumar said, “families belonging to all religions and sects who are financially incapable can avail this facility.”
“Sponsored by the Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation Limited under the aegis of the Chief Minister Teerth Darshan Yojana, this pilgrimage will have a new unveiling in the life of the Christian people as well as a unique opportunity to visit the city of Kolkata,” he said.
Jharkhand government claims more than 5,000 people (Hindus, Muslims, and Christians) have benefited by the scheme to date.
Observers also have pointed out that State Assembly elections in Jharkhand are likely to be held in November or December this year.