PM Modi Participates in Somnath Swabhiman Parv Celebrations in Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his three-day visit to Gujarat by participating in the ongoing Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations in Somnath. The Prime Minister arrived in the temple town on January 10, 2026, for a series of events marking the historical and cultural significance of the Somnath Temple.

Commemorating a Millennium of Resilience

The Somnath Swabhiman Parv, observed from January 8 to January 11, 2026, is a significant national commemoration. It marks 1,000 years since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 AD and also celebrates 75 years since the temple's reopening and restoration after India's Independence in 1951. The event aims to honor the temple's enduring resilience, faith, and India's civilisational strength, serving as a tribute to the collective resolve that has seen the temple rebuilt repeatedly over centuries.

Evening Engagements: Chanting and Drone Spectacle

Upon his arrival on January 10, Prime Minister Modi was greeted by a large number of locals and devotees. He participated in the sacred Omkar Mantra chanting, joining a 72-hour continuous chanting session underway as part of the Parv. Following this, he witnessed a spectacular drone show, which utilized approximately 3,000 drones to depict various historical events associated with the temple in the sky over the Arabian Sea. The Prime Minister also chaired a meeting of the Shree Somnath Trust in his capacity as its chairman. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi were also present during the events.

Upcoming Events and Broader Visit

On January 11, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to participate in the 'Shaurya Yatra,' a ceremonial procession featuring 108 horses, organized to honor those who defended the Somnath Temple throughout history. He will also perform Darshan and Pooja at the Somnath Temple and address a public function marking the conclusion of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. This visit to Somnath is part of a broader three-day itinerary for the Prime Minister in Gujarat. His schedule also includes participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot and a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad on January 12.