PM Modi offers prayers at Somnath Temple. (Photo: X/@narendramodi)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday offered prayers at the Somnath temple in Gujarat and took part in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations, marking 1,000 years since the first attack on the ancient shrine. The Prime Minister joined special rituals at the temple and participated in the chanting of the ‘Omkar Mantra’.
The Swabhiman Parv, which began on January 8, will conclude on January 11, commemorating a millennium since the invasion of the Somnath temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026.
As part of the celebrations, PM Modi witnessed a grand drone show featuring nearly 3,000 drones, creating elaborate thematic visuals of Lord Shiva, a shivling, and a 3D depiction of the Somnath temple. The show recreated key historical moments linked to the shrine and is among the largest drone displays organised near a temple site in India.
The Prime Minister is on a three-day visit to Gujarat, during which he will attend several programmes, including the Somnath temple celebrations and the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference.
On his arrival, PM Modi was accorded a warm welcome by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries. As his convoy moved towards the VVIP circuit house near the temple, the Prime Minister held a brief roadshow, with large crowds of devotees and local residents lining the route.
According to a PIB release, PM Modi will on Sunday participate in the ‘Shaurya Yatra’ at around 9:45 am, a ceremonial procession honouring those who laid down their lives defending the Somnath temple. The yatra will feature a symbolic procession of 108 horses, representing valour and sacrifice.
He will offer prayers again at the temple around 10:15 am, followed by a public function at 11 am to mark the Somnath Swabhiman Parv.
Despite repeated attempts at destruction over centuries, the Somnath temple stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience, faith, and national pride, the government said in a statement, highlighting the collective resolve behind its restoration.
The Prime Minister’s participation in the Swabhiman Parv, the statement added, reflects the enduring spirit of India’s civilisation and reaffirms his commitment to preserving and celebrating the country’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience covering Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes that every voice matters, and journalism has a vital role to play in amplifying those voices. Sofia is committed to creating impact and shedding light on stories that truly matter. Beyond her work in the newsroom, she is also a music enthusiast who enjoys singing.
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