Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the historic Somnath Temple in Gujarat on Saturday, January 11, 2026, transformed into a grand public celebration of faith and resilience. The PM participated in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, an event commemorating a millennium since the first recorded attack on the sacred shrine.
A Confluence of Devotion and Celebration
Arriving via Keshod airport after landing in Rajkot, PM Modi first held a vibrant roadshow in Prabhas Patan. The atmosphere was electric, with chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' filling the air. Despite tight security for the Prime Minister's convoy, the spirit of the devotees remained undampened. The temple town was packed with pilgrims and locals alike, many standing shoulder-to-shoulder, soaking in the devotional music and performances that blended seamlessly with the spiritual ambiance.
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv was organized from January 8 to 11, marking 1,000 years since the first attack on the temple, which houses the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas, in January 1026. The event included a 72-hour continuous chanting of 'Om', which the Prime Minister joined after offering prayers at the temple.
PM Modi's Tribute to Somnath's Legacy
In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi expressed his sentiments in Hindi. He stated, "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 the warm welcome."
The program's main events were centered around the Shankh (shell) circle, leading on a kilometer-long, beautifully illuminated path to the temple. The route featured stages with cultural performances, strategic selfie points, and displays of swastikas, trishuls, and Shivlings. A baritone voice chanting shlokas accompanied devotees along the path. The central plaza, dominated by a massive statue of Lord Shiva in the Adi Yogi form, became a bustling hub for photographs.
Security, Crowds, and Collective Joy
As the Prime Minister's arrival neared around 8 PM, a wave of anticipation swept through the crowd. Police personnel managed the movement, cordoning off the central plaza for VVIP movement. The security apparatus was robust, featuring queued fences, an X-ray bag checking van, and extensive CCTV surveillance.
For locals like Bhavesh and Rashmi Vaja, who live just 2 km from the temple, the event was unprecedented. "Such a major programme had not taken place in Somnath in the past," Bhavesh noted, adding that despite minor inconveniences, he was "happy that this happened in my city."
Pilgrims like Vikas and Sugandha Sharma from Karnal, Haryana, found themselves unexpectedly part of the historic event but managed to complete their darshan before the PM's arrival.
A Spectacular Drone Show Caps the Evening
The highlight of the evening was a breathtaking drone show that commenced at 8:30 PM. The sky lit up with formations depicting Lord Shiva in his dancing pose (Nataraja), which led to resounding chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' from the captivated audience. The drones also formed figures of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Ahilyabai Holkar, and PM Modi. A poignant segment featured a twinkling mural illustrating the historical attacks on the Somnath Temple, followed by a vibrant firecracker display.
Music and dance remained central throughout. From college students from Bhavnagar dressed as Shiva and Shivgan dancing with fervor, to families and friends enjoying the Mahadev trance under strobe lights, the event was a unique blend of reverence and celebration. The participation of people from nearby towns like Sutrapada, 20 km away, and local residents like IT student Keval Buch from Veraval, underscored the widespread appeal of the occasion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Somnath was not just a political or religious event; it was a powerful national moment reflecting on history, faith, and the enduring spirit of cultural resilience.
