Christian pilgrims from Andhra leave for Jerusalem

A group of Christian pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh has left for Jerusalem under the government allocated travel subsidy to visit the Holy Land.

51 pilgrims on Tuesday left for Bahrain by Gulf Air flight for their onward journey to Jordan and Israel.

"Our government introduced the scheme as it recognises the right of people to freedom of religion," Chief Minister Y.S. Rajsekhara Reddy said, addressing the pilgrims before their departure.

In addition, the politico said, the extension of the subsidised tour next year would depend on the people's experience in Jerusalem. He hoped the pilgrims return from the country with the blessings of Christ.

The Christian chief minister plans to send 1,000 pilgrims by March next year.

Archbishop of Hyderabad, Marampudi Joji meanwhile said, "A long-pending demand of Christians has been fulfilled. With the government offering the subsidy, many people will now be able to undertake the pilgrimage."

Each pilgrim will have to pay Rs. 36,000 of the total cost of Rs. 56,000 that covers all Jordan and Israel for seven days. This includes food, accomodation and transport.

According to 2001 census, there are about 1.2 million Christians in the state, representing 1.55 percent of the state's population.