Somnath gears up to welcome devotees for Swabhiman Parv

Somnath is set to host thousands of Shiva devotees as the three-day Somnath Swabhiman Parv begins on Thursday, commemorating 1,000 years of unwavering faith, resilience and cultural pride. The celebrations will continue till January 10, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to visit the temple town on January 10 and 11.According to information, all preparations across the Somnath region have been completed under the supervision of the state government. Arrangements and public facilities have been strengthened following directions from Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi to ensure smooth conduct of the programmes and convenience of devotees.Senior officials and departmental teams have coordinated efforts to manage crowd movement, transportation, security, sanitation and health services. Administrative officers overseeing various departments have confirmed that necessary infrastructure and logistics are in place.

#WATCH | Gandhinagar: Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi says, "The Somnath Swabhiman Parv begins today. From 9 o'clock today, with the voices of Rishikumars, along with thousands of Somnath devotees who have arrived from states and across the country, the 72-hour Omkar chanting… https://t.co/VvpA7ffgvG pic.twitter.com/UjRMJK2ysF

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2026

On the eve of the celebrations, Somnath town wore a festive look with extensive illumination and decorations. Key stretches including Triveni Road, Hamirsinh Circle, Shankh Circle, Bhidiya Patan Road, Circuit House Road and roads surrounding the Somnath Temple were adorned with lights, flags, artistic depictions of Shiva worship and statues of Lord Shiva. The decorations have transformed the temple town into a vibrant spiritual landscape.With devotees arriving from across Gujarat and other parts of the country by trains and buses, the atmosphere in Somnath has turned deeply devotional. Continuous chanting of the Omkar mantra over the three days has added to the spiritual fervour, creating a serene and immersive experience for pilgrims.
The Swabhiman Parv marks the journey from 1026 to 2026, symbolising a millennium of struggle, courage, self-respect and unbroken devotion. The event seeks to inspire the younger generation by highlighting the enduring legacy of India’s Sanatan culture and the historical significance of Somnath as a symbol of faith that withstood repeated destruction and revival.Somnath Temple, the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, has long stood as a cornerstone of India’s cultural and spiritual identity. After its destruction during the invasion led by Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century, the temple was rebuilt multiple times by Indian rulers, reflecting the resilience of faith. Following Independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel led efforts to restore the temple, which was inaugurated in 1951 by then President Rajendra Prasad.In recent years, Somnath has witnessed extensive development under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including improved pilgrim facilities, digital services, enhanced security, a seaside promenade, light and sound shows, and technical measures to protect the temple structure from environmental damage.As Somnath Swabhiman Parv unfolds, the temple town stands as a powerful symbol of faith, cultural continuity and national pride, welcoming devotees in an atmosphere charged with devotion and historical significance.

(State Correspondent)