Deepak Bali urges Centre to immediately release Kashi Yatra schedule for Guru Ravidas Ji’s Prakash Purab
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 20, 2026: Deepak Bali, Advisor to the Punjab Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Tourism, has urged the Central Government to immediately announce special train schedules for devotees travelling to Kashi (Varanasi) on the occasion of the 650th Prakash Purab of Guru Ravidas.
Bali said the Punjab Government is observing the Prakash Purab with year-long celebrations from February 2026 to February 2027, including Kirtan Darbars and religious events across the country at places associated with the Guru.
To facilitate devotees wishing to visit the Guru’s birthplace and place of meditation in Kashi, the state government had proposed running special trains for a full year. He noted that a formal request was sent to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation on March 30, but no concrete response has been received so far.
Expressing concern over the delay, Bali said that despite repeated follow-ups, the matter remains “under consideration,” which he termed inappropriate given the religious sentiments of devotees.
He appealed to the Central Government, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu to ensure that the issue is not politicised.
“This is not a political demand but a matter of faith for lakhs of devotees,” Bali said, urging the Centre to act promptly and facilitate the pilgrimage.
He also called upon Ravneet Bittu, as a representative from Punjab, to rise above political considerations and help secure early approval for the trains.
Additionally, Bali appealed to religious leaders and the Sant Samaj to press for timely action, stating that delays in matters of faith are unjustified and that the Centre must release the train schedule without further delay.