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The Somnath Swabhiman Parv was organised at Somnath, Gujarat from 8 to 11 January 2026. The programme marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion of the Somnath Temple in the year 1026. Despite multiple repeated attempts for its destruction over centuries, the Somnath Temple stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience, faith and national pride, owing to the collective resolve and efforts to restore it to its ancient glory.
After independence, the effort for the restoration of the Temple was undertaken by Sardar Patel. One of the most important milestones in this journey of revival was achieved in 1951, when the restored Somnath Temple was formally opened to devotees in the presence of the then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The completion of 75 years of this historic restoration in 2026 adds special significance to the Somnath Swabhiman Parv.
The celebration witnessed the participation of hundreds of saints from across the country, along with 72 hours of continuous chanting of ‘Om’ within the temple premises. Prime Minister’s participation in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv underscores the enduring spirit of India’s civilisation and reaffirms his commitment to preserve and celebrate India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Somnath, Gujarat, on 11 January 2026. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister remarked that this time is extraordinary, this atmosphere is extraordinary, and this celebration is extraordinary. The Prime Minister underlined that this celebration embodies pride and honour, dignity and knowledge, grandeur and heritage, spirituality and realization, experience, joy, and intimacy. Above all, he stressed, it carries the blessings of Lord Mahadev.
The strength and capability of Hindustan
The Prime Minister remarked that as he speaks today, the thought repeatedly arises in his mind of what the atmosphere must have been like exactly a thousand years ago at this very place where people are now seated. He highlighted that the forefathers of those present, our ancestors, risked their lives for their faith, for their belief, and for their Lord Mahadev, offering everything they had. He stated that a thousand years ago, the invaders believed they had won, but today, even after a millennium, the flag atop Somnath Mahadev’s temple proclaims to the entire creation the strength and capability of Hindustan.
Neither Somnath was destroyed, nor India was destroyed
Stressing that this festival is not merely a remembrance of the destruction that occurred a thousand years ago, the Prime Minister remarked that it is a celebration of a thousand years of journey, as well as of India’s existence and pride. He highlighted that at every step and milestone, unique similarities can be seen between Somnath and India. Just as there were countless attempts to destroy Somnath, foreign invaders tried for centuries to annihilate India. Yet neither Somnath was destroyed, nor India was destroyed, because India and its centres of faith are inseparably united.
The Prime Minister remarked that we must ask ourselves whether we should not remember the valor of our ancestors and whether we should not draw inspiration from the courage they displayed. He highlighted that no son, no descendant, should ever pretend to forget the heroic deeds of their forefathers. He emphasized that such remembrance is not only a duty but also a source of strength, and he called upon everyone to ensure that the sacrifices and bravery of our ancestors remain alive in our consciousness.
Moving forward with the vision of “Dev se Desh”
Recalling that at the historic occasion of the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha, Shri Modi said he had presented a thousand-year grand vision for India, speaking of moving forward with the vision of “Dev se Desh.” He stated that today India’s cultural renaissance is filling crores of citizens with new confidence, every Indian is committed to a developed India, and 140 crore people are determined towards future goals. He affirmed that India will raise its glory to new heights, win the fight against poverty, and achieve new levels of development, with the goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy and moving beyond, supported by the energy of Somnath temple blessing these resolutions. The Prime Minister highlighted that today’s India is advancing with inspiration from heritage to development, with Somnath embodying both. He noted the temple’s cultural expansion, the establishment of Somnath Sanskrit University, the growing popularity of the Madhavpur fair, and the conservation of Gir lions strengthening heritage, while Prabhas Patan is creating new dimensions of development. He pointed to the expansion of Keshod airport enabling direct access for pilgrims from India and abroad, the launch of the Ahmedabad-Veraval Vande Bharat train reducing travel time, and the development of a pilgrimage circuit in the region. Shri Modi stressed that India today remembers its faith while empowering it for the future through infrastructure, connectivity, and technology.
Underlining that India’s civilizational message has never been about defeating others but about maintaining balance in life, Shri Modi said that faith does not lead us to hatred, and strength does not give us arrogance of destruction. He said Somnath teaches that the path of creation is long but lasting, that hearts cannot be won at sword’s edge, and civilizations that seek to erase others are themselves lost in time. He emphasized that India has taught the world not how to win by defeating others, but how to live by winning hearts, a thought needed by the world today.
The Prime Minister concluded by remarking that Somnath’s thousand-year saga gives this lesson to humanity, calling for a pledge to move towards development and the future while staying connected to our past and heritage, embracing modernity while preserving consciousness, and drawing inspiration from Somnath Swabhiman Parv to move swiftly on the path of progress, overcoming every challenge to reach our goals, extending heartfelt greetings once again to all citizens.
Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel was present among other dignitaries at the event.