Prime Minister Modi took part in the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ celebrations to mark 1,000 years since the first attack on the ancient temple in Gujarat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday offered prayers at the Somnath temple in Gujarat and took part in rituals marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations at the historic shrine.
The Prime Minister joined the chanting of the ‘Omkar Mantra’ and participated in special prayers at the temple. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being observed to commemorate 1,000 years since the invasion of the Somnath temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026.
PM Modi also witnessed a mega drone show featuring elaborate thematic formations, including large images of Lord Shiva, a shivling, and a 3D depiction of the Somnath temple. Nearly 3,000 drones were used to recreate key historical events associated with the shrine, making it one of the largest drone shows organised near a temple site in the country.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi were also present at the event. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv began on January 8 and will conclude on January 11.
The Prime Minister is on a three-day visit to Gujarat, during which he will attend multiple programmes, including the temple celebrations and the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference.
On his arrival, the PM was accorded a warm welcome by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries upon his arrival. As his convoy proceeded to the VVIP circuit house near the temple, PM Modi held a brief roadshow, with large crowds of local residents and devotees lining the route to greet him.
On Sunday, around 9:45 am, the PM will take part in the ‘Shaurya Yatra’, a ceremonial procession organised to honour those who laid down their lives defending the Somnath temple, said a PIB release. The Shaurya Yatra will feature a symbolic procession of 108 horses, reflecting valour and sacrifice.
Thereafter, Modi will offer prayers at the Somnath temple at around 10:15 am and then take part in a public function marking Somnath Swabhiman Parv at 11 am.
