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The Gujarat government has outlined extensive arrangements for the upcoming Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a four-day cultural and spiritual festival scheduled to take place from January 8 to 11 at the historic Somnath Temple.
Speaking in Ahmedabad, state government spokesperson Jitu Vaghani said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is guiding the event, which highlights the enduring faith and cultural self-respect associated with India’s first Jyotirlinga.
He added that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi are leading the state administration, which has mobilised fully to ensure the celebrations run smoothly.
According to Vaghani, the festival coincides with two major historical milestones: 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni’s attack on the Somnath temple in 1026, and 75 years since Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel initiated its reconstruction after Independence.
He said the occasion recalls the temple’s centuries-long legacy of resilience, bravery and revival.
Prime Minister’s Visit Schedule
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive in Somnath on the evening of January 10. He will offer prayers at the temple the following morning and pay homage at the statue of Sardar Patel located outside the shrine.
The Prime Minister will then lead a Shaurya Yatra and roadshow, and address a public gathering to speak on cultural unity and heritage.
Among the festival’s major attractions will be a large-scale drone show involving 3,000 drones, showcasing the history and architectural splendour of the Somnath temple.
The Shaurya Yatra, dedicated to those who protected the shrine through different eras, will feature 108 horses and proceed from Shankh Circle to Hamirji Gohil Circle.
To facilitate devotees, four special trains will operate daily from Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara on January 8, 9 and 10.
Within the temple complex, 2,500 sages will conduct 72 hours of continuous Om chanting, while 1,000 artists will perform traditional conch-blowing rituals. The area will also host 20 stages featuring devotional music, folk dances and cultural performances.
Vaghani noted that the Somnath Corridor project has significantly enhanced tourism and economic activity in the region, adding that Somnath is steadily emerging as a global spiritual destination alongside Ayodhya, Kashi and Dwarka.
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