Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited the historic Somnath Temple in Gujarat on 10 January 2026 on the occasion of Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that he considered it a great honour to contribute to the celebrations in his capacity as Chairman of the Somnath Temple Trust. The first day of the programme commenced with traditional rituals and prayers offered at the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Priests and scholars conducted sacred ceremonies invoking blessings for the welfare and prosperity of the nation, in which the Prime Minister also participated.
As part of the celebrations, more than 2,500 Rishi Kumars from across the state participated in continuous chanting of ‘Om’ within the temple premises. The Prime Minister joined the Omkar Mantra chanting, which formed a central element of the 72-hour chanting programme. A drone light show organised along the Somnath coastline presented artistic formations depicting the Somnath Temple and sacred symbols associated with Lord Shiva. The presentation also paid tribute to Vallabhbhai Patel for his role in the reconstruction of the temple after independence.
On the second day of the visit, the Prime Minister led the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession organised to honour those who sacrificed their lives in defence of the Somnath Temple. The Yatra witnessed participation from youth groups, cultural organisations, spiritual leaders and devotees from across the country. A symbolic procession of 108 horses formed part of the Yatra, reflecting the valour and sacrifice associated with the temple’s history.
The procession was accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of traditional instruments such as the damru, dhol and nagada, while artists from across the country performed traditional dances along the route, showcasing India’s cultural diversity. At the conclusion of the Yatra, the Prime Minister offered prayers at the temple and paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose statue stands near the temple premises. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations highlighted the enduring spiritual and cultural significance of Somnath as a symbol of national pride and collective historical memory.
