Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Somnath in Gujarat on January 10 and 11, 2026, to take part in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a programme being organised to commemorate 1,000 years of unbroken spirit and civilisational continuity since the first invasion of the Somnath Temple.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi will begin his engagements on January 10 by participating in Omkar Mantra chanting at the Somnath Temple at around 8 pm. This will be followed by a drone show at the temple later in the evening.
On January 11, the Prime Minister will take part in the Shaurya Yatra at around 9:45 am. The ceremonial procession has been organised to honour the countless warriors who laid down their lives while defending the Somnath Temple over centuries. The yatra will feature a symbolic procession of 108 horses, representing valour, sacrifice and resilience.
Following the Shaurya Yatra, PM Modi will perform darshan and pooja at the revered Somnath Temple at around 10:15 am. He will then participate in and address a public function in Somnath at around 11 am.
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being held from January 8 to 11, to honour the sacrifices of generations of Indians whose courage in defending the temple continues to inspire the nation’s cultural consciousness. The programme marks 1,000 years since the invasion of the Somnath Temple in 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni. Despite repeated attempts at destruction over the centuries, the temple has stood as a powerful symbol of faith, resilience and national pride.
After Independence, the restoration of the Somnath Temple was undertaken under the leadership of Sardar Patel. A major milestone in this journey of revival was achieved in 1951, when the restored temple was formally opened to devotees in the presence of the then President Rajendra Prasad. The year 2026 also marks 75 years of this historic restoration, adding special significance to the ongoing celebrations.
The Swabhiman Parv will witness the participation of hundreds of saints from across the country and feature 72 hours of continuous chanting of ‘Om’ within the temple premises.
The PMO said that the Prime Minister’s participation in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv underscores the enduring spirit of India’s civilisation and reaffirms his commitment to preserving and celebrating the country’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
