Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the historic Somnath Temple in Gujarat, where he offered prayers and participated in a series of religious rituals as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations. The observance marks a significant milestone in the temple’s long and complex history and was organised at the sacred site with elaborate ceremonial arrangements.
During his visit, the Prime Minister joined priests and devotees in the chanting of the Omkar Mantra and took part in special prayers conducted inside the temple complex. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being held to commemorate 1,000 years since the first recorded attack on the Somnath temple in 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni, an event that has long been remembered as a defining moment in the shrine’s past.
As part of the celebrations, Modi witnessed a large-scale drone show that drew widespread attention. Nearly 3,000 drones were deployed to create intricate visual formations in the night sky, including images of Lord Shiva, a shivling, and a three-dimensional representation of the Somnath temple. The presentation also depicted key historical moments associated with the shrine, making it one of the most ambitious drone displays organised near a temple in India.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi were present at the event and accompanied the Prime Minister during the proceedings. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv began on January 8 and is scheduled to conclude on January 11, with a series of religious, cultural and commemorative programmes planned over the four days.
The Prime Minister is on a three-day visit to Gujarat, during which he is attending multiple engagements, including the temple celebrations and the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference. Upon his arrival in the state, Modi was welcomed by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries. As his convoy moved towards the VVIP circuit house near the temple, he briefly interacted with the public during a roadshow, with large numbers of local residents and devotees lining the route.
On Sunday morning, Modi is scheduled to participate in the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession organised to honour those who sacrificed their lives in defence of the Somnath temple over the centuries. The procession is expected to feature a symbolic march of 108 horses, representing courage, sacrifice and resilience. Following this, the Prime Minister will again offer prayers at the temple and attend a public function marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv.
Despite repeated destruction and reconstruction across centuries, the Somnath temple continues to stand as a symbol of faith, endurance and cultural continuity. Officials said the Prime Minister’s participation in the celebrations underscores the enduring spirit of India’s civilisation and reflects a broader commitment to preserving and honouring the country’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
