PM Modi to Participate in ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ on January 11; Preparations in Full Swing

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: The much-awaited Somnath Swabhiman Parv has officially commenced in Gujarat, beginning with ceremonies at the historic Dholeshwar Mahadev Temple. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was present during the inaugural events. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the Somnath Temple on January 11, as part of his three-day Gujarat tour, which will also include hosting the German Chancellor and attending key cultural and regional events.

Itinerary and Key Events

PM Modi will arrive in Gujarat on January 10 and will remain in the state until January 12. During his visit, he will:

• Lead the ‘Shaurya Yatra’, a one-kilometer procession featuring 108 horses, as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations.
• Perform pooja and rituals at the historic Somnath Temple.
• In Gandhinagar, hold bilateral discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
• Inaugurate the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad.
• Open the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot.

Cabinet Minister and state government spokesperson Jitu Vaghani highlighted that the Somnath Swabhiman Parv symbolizes India’s resilience and cultural heritage. The festival commemorates the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, which faced repeated destruction over the centuries, beginning with Mahmud of Ghazni’s attack nearly 1,000 years ago. The celebrations in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region will continue throughout the year.

Milestone Year: 75 Years of Reconstruction

In 2001, then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited the Somnath Temple to mark 50 years of its reconstruction. This year, 2026, marks 75 years since the temple’s restoration, making PM Modi’s visit historically significant.

PM Modi’s Social Media Message

On social media, PM Modi shared: “Jai Somnath! Today marks the beginning of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Despite facing repeated attacks since January 1026, the faith and cultural unity of India remained unshaken, and the Somnath Temple has been restored time and again.” He encouraged devotees to share their photos from previous Somnath visits using the hashtag #SomnathSwabhimanParv.

Record-Breaking Devotee Turnout Expected

Somnath Temple attracts nearly 9.7 million devotees annually, with 3.56 lakh devotees visiting during Maha Shivratri 2025 alone. As one of the top 10 most searched sites by Indians on Google, the temple is expected to witness unprecedented crowds during PM Modi’s visit, potentially breaking previous records of attendance.