Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a three-day visit to Gujarat on Saturday, marking his presence at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. The event commemorates 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni. Modi emphasized Somnath as a symbol of "civilizational courage" upon his arrival.
The Prime Minister's itinerary included participation in the Omkar Mantra chanting and viewing a drone show at the Somnath temple on Saturday evening. The drone show featured elaborate thematic formations, including images of Lord Shiva, a shivling, and a 3D depiction of the Somnath temple, employing nearly 3,000 drones to recreate key historical events associated with the shrine.
On Sunday, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession honoring warriors who sacrificed their lives defending the Somnath Temple. The Shaurya Yatra will feature a symbolic procession of 108 horses, representing valor and sacrifice. Following the procession, Modi will offer prayers at the Somnath Temple and participate in a public function marking Somnath Swabhiman Parv.
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held from January 8 to 11, 2026, serves as a reminder of the countless individuals who sacrificed to defend the temple, inspiring the cultural consciousness of future generations. The celebrations include the participation of hundreds of saints from across the country, along with 72 hours of continuous chanting of 'Om' within the temple premises.
The Prime Minister also chaired a meeting of the Shree Somnath Trust to discuss infrastructure upgrades within the temple complex and measures to enhance facilities for pilgrims.
The year 2026 marks 75 years since the temple's formal reopening in 1951 after reconstruction, an effort led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and celebrated in the presence of then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The restoration restored the temple to its ancient glory and became a symbol of national resolve and cultural pride in post-independence India. Despite repeated attempts at its destruction over the centuries, the Somnath Temple stands today as a symbol of resilience, faith, and national pride.
