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PM Modi offered prayers at the historic Somnath Temple and took part in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, an event highlighting India’s civilisational spirit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Gujarat’s Somnath Temple on Saturday. (PMO)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the iconic Somnath Temple in Gujarat on Saturday to take part in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a major cultural and spiritual programme being held at the historic temple.
The entire area was filled with a festive atmosphere to mark the historic occasion. Thousands of people from both sides of the roads welcomed the Prime Minister as his convoy arrived at the Somnath Temple. PM Modi received a rousing welcome from a huge crowd, with chants of “Modi, Modi”, as he entered the temple to offer prayers.
The Prime Minister offered prayers at the iconic temple and took part in the Swabhiman Parv celebrations in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and hundreds of devotees.
“Feeling blessed to be in Somnath, a proud symbol of our civilisational courage. This visit comes during Somnath Swabhiman Parv, 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,” Modi wrote on X.
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… pic.twitter.com/jwTSF0uMOS
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 10, 2026
He later chaired a meeting of the Shree Somnath Trust, where they “reviewed various aspects relating to infrastructure upgradations in the temple complex and ways to make the pilgrimage to Somnath even more memorable”.
In Somnath this evening, chaired a meeting of the Shree Somnath Trust. We reviewed various aspects relating to infrastructure upgradations in the temple complex and ways to make the pilgrimage to Somnath even more memorable. pic.twitter.com/q9WHJ2crsx— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 10, 2026
The Prime Minister also took part in the ‘Omkar Mantra’ chanting at the temple and witnessed a dazzling drone show that highlighted a blend of ancient faith and modern technology. “This beam of light emerging from the sacred land of Somnath is conveying the message of India’s cultural power to the entire world,” he said.
सोमनाथ स्वाभिमान पर्व के सुअवसर पर सोमनाथ मंदिर परिसर में भव्यता और दिव्यता से भरा ड्रोन शो देखने का सौभाग्य मिला। इस अद्भुत शो में हमारी प्राचीन आस्था के साथ आधुनिक टेक्नोलॉजी का तालमेल हर किसी को मंत्रमुग्ध कर गया। सोमनाथ की पावन धरा से निकला यह प्रकाशपुंज पूरे विश्व को भारत की… pic.twitter.com/hwKgJsp33T— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 10, 2026
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv, being held from January 8 to 11, marks 1,000 years since the invasion of the temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026. Despite repeated destruction attempts, the temple remains a symbol of faith and resilience. Its restoration after independence was led by Sardar Patel, with the rebuilt shrine inaugurated in 1951 by India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad.
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PM Modi’s Schedule
Earlier in the day, PM Modi landed at Heerasar Airport in Rajkot before departing for Somnath. He was welcomed by Cabinet Minister Kunwarji Bawliya and the Mayor of Rajkot at the airport.
On January 11, PM Modi will participate in Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession organised to honour the countless warriors who laid down their lives defending the Somnath Temple. This yatra will feature a symbolic procession of 108 horses, reflecting valour and sacrifice.
After that, he will perform darshan and pooja at the Somnath Temple. At around 11 am on Sunday, the Prime Minister will participate in and address a public function in Somnath.
On January 12, PM Modi will meet German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad. At around 9:30 am, the two leaders will visit Sabarmati Ashram, followed by their participation in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront at around 10 am.
‘Powerful Symbol Of Our Spiritual Tradition’
Ahead of his visit to the temple, PM Modi called the Somnath Swabhiman Parv a “powerful symbol of our spiritual tradition, which was being celebrated across the country with complete devotion, faith and enthusiasm.”
सोमनाथ स्वाभिमान पर्व हमारी आध्यात्मिक परंपरा का एक सशक्त प्रतीक है, जिसे देशभर में पूरी श्रद्धा, भक्ति और उल्लास के साथ मनाया जा रहा है। इसी कड़ी में कल रात करीब 8 बजे सोमनाथ मंदिर में ओंकार मंत्र के दिव्य जाप का हिस्सा बनने का सौभाग्य मिलेगा। इसके अगले दिन सुबह लगभग 9:45 बजे…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2026
The completion of 75 years of this historic restoration of the Somnath Temple in 2026 has added special significance to the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. The celebrations will witness the participation of hundreds of saints from across the country, along with 72 hours of continuous chanting of ‘Om’ within the temple premises.
Gujarat, India, India
January 10, 2026, 18:32 IST
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