The historic coastal town of Somnath in Gujarat is set to host a grand three-day cultural and spiritual festival, the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv', beginning Wednesday. The event commemorates a rare dual milestone: 1,000 years since Mahmud Ghazni's infamous attack on the Somnath temple in 1026 AD, and 75 years since Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's historic resolve to rebuild the shrine post-independence.
A Confluence of History and Celebration
State government spokesman and Cabinet Minister Jitu Vaghani detailed the programme, highlighting its significance. "The year marks a rare convergence," Vaghani said, explaining that the festival is designed to honour Somnath's enduring legacy of resilience and valour. The celebrations will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi arriving in Somnath on the evening of January 10 to participate in the events.
On January 11, the Prime Minister's schedule is packed with symbolic acts. He will offer prayers at the revered Somnath temple and pay floral tributes at the statue of Sardar Patel located outside. PM Modi will also participate in a grand roadshow and a 'Shaurya Yatra'—a procession dedicated to the warriors who sacrificed their lives defending the temple across centuries. The day will culminate with him addressing a large public gathering, where he is expected to convey a powerful message of cultural unity to the nation.
Spectacular Events and Nationwide Participation
The festival promises an array of unique attractions that blend devotion with technology. A key highlight will be a mega drone show featuring 3,000 drones over the Arabian Sea, touted as the largest of its kind. This aerial spectacle will illuminate the night sky with depictions of Somnath's history and grandeur.
Within the temple premises, a profound spiritual atmosphere will be created:
- A continuous 72-hour Omkar chant.
- Vedic mantra chanting by 2,500 young priests.
- Shankhnaad (conch-blowing) by over 1,000 artists inside and outside the temple complex.
A grand procession with 108 horses will march from Shankh Circle to Hamirji Gohil Circle. Furthermore, around 20 stages will host continuous cultural programmes, including Shiva bhakti, bhajans, and folk performances. To ensure wide participation, the government has arranged special train services from Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara from January 8 to 10.
Boost for Somnath's Future
Looking beyond the festival, Minister Vaghani announced a significant development for the region's infrastructure. The 'Somnath Corridor' project has received official approval, aimed at boosting tourism and spurring economic development. Vaghani emphasized Somnath's growing stature, stating, "Like Ayodhya, Kashi, and Dwarka, Somnath is emerging as a global spiritual identity of India."
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is thus not just a remembrance of a turbulent past but a vibrant celebration of resilience, faith, and a vision for the future, placing the temple town firmly on India's spiritual and cultural map.
