Somnath Swabhiman Parv: PM Modi Honours Faith And National Pride

Leaders inaugurated the Somnath Swabhiman Parv in New Delhi, paying tribute to citizens who never compromised on their principles. The programme recognises countless individuals who remained resolute despite daunting circumstances, upholding India’s ethos and values.

Historians note that the event marks 1,000 years since the first major attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026.

Invaders repeatedly destroyed the temple, yet communities rebuilt it, symbolising India’s enduring culture and spiritual resilience. PM Modi described the observance as a reflection of faith, destruction, and reconstruction, culminating in the temple’s restoration in the 1950s.

PM Modi posted on X, “Jai Somnath! Somnath Swabhiman Parv begins today. A thousand years ago, in January 1026, Somnath faced its first ever attack. The attack of 1026 and the subsequent attacks couldn’t diminish the eternal faith of millions, nor break the civilisational spirit that rebuilt Somnath time and again. I’m sharing some pictures from my previous visits to Somnath. If you have been there too, share them using #SomnathSwabhimanParv.”

“Somnath Swabhiman Parv is about remembering the countless children of Bharat Mata, who never compromised with their principles and ethos. However daunting the times were, their resolve remained unshaken and their commitment to our ethos unwavering,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Sharing Historical Memories

“Here are some glimpses of a programme held in Somnath on 31st October 2001. This was the year when we marked 50 years since the rebuilt Somnath Temple opened its doors in 1951 in the presence of the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The efforts of Sardar Patel, KM Munshi and several others were noteworthy. It was also when the 125th Jayanti of Sardar Patel was being marked. The programme of 2001 was attended by then Prime Minister Atal Ji, Home Minister Advani Ji and several other dignitaries. In 2026, we mark 75 years since the grand ceremony of 1951!,” PM Modi said, sharing glimpses of a programme held in Somnath on October 31, 2001.

He also recalled the 2001 celebrations marking 50 years of the temple’s restoration, attended by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Home Minister LK Advani, and other dignitaries.

“The great Sardar Sahib was not alive to see this historic day, but the fulfilment of his dream stood tall before the nation. The then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, was not too enthused with this development. He did not want the Honourable President as well as Ministers to associate with this special event. He said that this event created a bad impression of India. But Dr Rajendra Prasad stood firm, and the rest is history,” PM Modi wrote in his blog post.

Authorities planned a range of spiritual and social programmes at the temple in Gujarat from 8 to 11 January 2026. The central theme, ‘Unbroken Faith’, highlights the temple as a symbol of India’s civilisational strength and spiritual endurance.

PM Modi will visit the Somnath Temple on 11 January to attend the closing events.

Historians and leaders emphasise the temple as an eternal proclamation of the Indian soul. They state that faith and conviction in goodness endure despite hatred or fanaticism.

PM Modi highlighted the pivotal contributions of KM Munshi and Sardar Patel in rebuilding Somnath and preserving it as a national symbol of pride, culture, and unwavering resolve.

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