Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday offered prayers at the Somnath Temple in Gujarat as the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a major cultural and spiritual celebration, formally began at the historic shrine.
Mr Modi was accorded a warm reception on his arrival at the temple complex, with large crowds lining the route and chanting slogans as he entered the premises to perform darshan. The Swabhiman Parv, being held from January 8 to 11, marks 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026.
“Feeling blessed to be in Somnath, a proud symbol of our civilisational courage. This visit comes during Somnath Swabhiman Parv, when the entire nation has come together to mark a thousand years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. Grateful to the people for the warm welcome,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
Also read: President Murmu offers prayers at Somnath temple in Gujarat
Later in the evening, Mr Modi chaired a meeting of the Shree Somnath Trust to review infrastructure upgrades within the temple complex and measures to enhance facilities for pilgrims. “We reviewed various aspects relating to infrastructure upgradations in the temple complex and ways to make the pilgrimage to Somnath even more memorable,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister arrived at Heerasar Airport in Rajkot, where he was received by state leaders before proceeding to Somnath. As part of the celebrations, he is scheduled to participate in Omkar Mantra chanting at the temple, followed by a drone show in the evening.
On Sunday, Mr Modi will take part in the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession honouring warriors who defended the temple, featuring a symbolic march of 108 horses. He will later address a public gathering in Somnath.
The Swabhiman Parv also coincides with 75 years of the temple’s post-Independence restoration, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and inaugurated in 1951 by then President Dr Rajendra Prasad.
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