Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed his participation in the ongoing ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’, a four-day event commemorating the resilience of Gujarat’s iconic Somnath Temple over 1,000 years since the first attack in January 1026. The festival, taking place from January 8 to 11, 2026, honors the temple’s history of destruction and reconstruction, symbolizing India’s enduring faith and cultural pride.
PM Modi, in a social media post, praised the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ as a significant representation of India’s spiritual heritage, celebrated across the nation with great devotion. He is scheduled to reach Somnath on the evening of January 10 and will participate in the chanting of the Omkar mantra at the temple premises around 8 p.m., followed by a drone show lighting up the skies over the Arabian Sea.
On the morning of January 11, around 9:45 a.m., Prime Minister Modi will lead the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession honoring the brave individuals who defended the shrine against foreign invasions. The yatra will feature a symbolic one-kilometer roadshow with 108 traditionally dressed horsemen, symbolizing valor and sacrifice.
After the procession, PM Modi will offer prayers at the revered Jyotirlinga around 10:15 a.m., followed by a public address at approximately 11 a.m. as part of the Swabhiman Parv festivities. The celebration includes continuous Omkar chanting for 72 hours, spiritual music evenings, and programs highlighting national pride and heritage.
The visit by PM Modi underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding and commemorating India’s diverse cultural heritage. The Somnath Temple, a revered Jyotirlinga, stands as a testament to unwavering faith on Gujarat’s coastline, inspiring generations with its story of resilience.
