Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday offered prayers at the Somnath temple in Gujarat and participated in rituals marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations at the historic shrine.
The Prime Minister joined the chanting of the ‘Omkar Mantra’ and took part in special prayers at the temple. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being observed to mark 1,000 years since the invasion of the Somnath temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026.
Later in the evening, PM Modi witnessed a large-scale drone show near the temple premises. Around 3,000 drones were used to create themed formations in the sky, including images of Lord Shiva, a shivling and a 3D representation of the Somnath temple. The display also depicted key moments from the shrine’s history, making it one of the biggest drone shows organised at a temple site in India.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi were present at the event. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv began on January 8 and will conclude on January 11.
The Prime Minister is on a three-day visit to Gujarat, during which he is scheduled to attend several programmes, including the temple celebrations and the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference.
Upon his arrival in Somnath, PM Modi was received by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries. As his convoy moved towards the VVIP circuit house near the temple, the Prime Minister briefly greeted people during a roadshow, with devotees and local residents lining the route.
According to a PIB release, the Prime Minister will on Sunday take part in the ‘Shaurya Yatra’ at around 9:45 am. The ceremonial procession is being organised to honour those who laid down their lives while defending the Somnath temple. The yatra will feature a symbolic march of 108 horses, representing courage and sacrifice.
After the procession, PM Modi will offer prayers at the temple at around 10:15 am, followed by his participation in a public event marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv at 11 am.
The Somnath temple, which has faced repeated destruction over the centuries, continues to stand as a symbol of resilience and faith. The government said its present form reflects sustained efforts to restore the shrine and preserve its historical and spiritual significance.
The Prime Minister’s participation in the celebrations, the statement added, underscores the importance of safeguarding India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.