Somnath Swabhiman Parv: Celebrating 1,000 Years of Resilience; PM Modi to Join Festivities Tonight

Veraval (Gujarat), January 10, 2026: The sacred shores of Somnath are all set to witness the grand 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is arriving this evening to participate in this national observance, which commemorates 1,000 years of the temple's unbroken spirit since the first recorded invasion in 1026 AD.

Key Highlights for Tonight:

1. Omkar Chanting (8:00 PM): The Prime Minister will join the ongoing 72-hour continuous 'Akhand Omkar' chanting. This spiritual assembly features hundreds of saints from across India, creating a profound atmosphere of devotion.

2. Spectacular Drone Show (8:30 PM): Following the prayers, a high-tech drone show involving over 2,000 drones will light up the sky over the Arabian Sea. The show will narrate the legendary saga of Somnath—from its repeated destruction to its magnificent revival.

The Significance of 2026:

The year 2026 marks two historic milestones for the Somnath Temple. First, exactly 1,000 years since the invasion by Mahmud of Ghazni in January 1026. Second, it celebrates the Platinum Jubilee (75 years) of the present temple's inauguration by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1951.

Shaurya Yatra (Tomorrow’s Update):

On January 11, the PM will lead the 'Shaurya Yatra', a ceremonial procession featuring 108 horses. This parade honors the countless unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect the temple over the centuries.