PM Modi offers prayers at Somnath, attends Swabhiman Parv

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.During the visit, the Prime Minister joined the chanting of the ‘Omkar Mantra’ at the temple. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being observed to commemorate 1,000 years since the invasion of the Somnath temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026.
PM Modi also witnessed a grand drone show that showcased thematic formations, including large images of Lord Shiva and a shivling, along with a 3D depiction of the Somnath temple. Nearly 3,000 drones were deployed to recreate key historical events associated with the temple, making it one of the largest drone shows held in close proximity to a temple site in the country.Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi attended the celebrations along with the Prime Minister. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv commenced 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.He received a warm welcome from Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries on arrival. As his convoy proceeded to the VVIP circuit house near the temple, the Prime Minister held a brief roadshow, with large crowds of local residents and devotees from other regions lining the route to greet him.

Feeling blessed to be in Somnath, a proud symbol of our civilisational courage.

This visit comes during #SomnathSwabhimanParv, when the entire nation has come together to mark a thousand years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026.

Grateful to the people for… pic.twitter.com/jwTSF0uMOS

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 10, 2026

According to information, PM Modi will take part in the ‘Shaurya Yatra’ on Sunday at around 9:45 am. The ceremonial procession is being organised to honour those who laid down their lives defending the Somnath temple and will feature a symbolic march of 108 horses, reflecting valour and sacrifice.The Prime Minister will later offer prayers at the Somnath temple at around 10:15 am, followed by his participation in a public function marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv at 11 am.The government, in a statement, said the Somnath temple stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience, faith and national pride, reflecting the collective resolve and sustained efforts to restore it to its ancient glory over the centuries.It added that the Prime Minister’s participation in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv highlights the enduring spirit of India’s civilisation and reaffirms his commitment to preserving and celebrating the country’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

(State Correspondent)