Somnath (Gujarat): The coastal town of Somnath is witnessing a grand national celebration as the Somnath Swabhiman Parv unfolds this year, honouring 1,000 years of unbroken faith and resilience tied to the iconic Somnath Temple.

Observed from January 8–11, 2026, the event commemorates both a millennium since the first recorded attack on the temple and 75 years since its post-Independence reconstruction. It has drawn devotees, dignitaries and citizens from across India to reflect on India’s spiritual heritage and civilisational strength.

Historic Significance Behind the Celebration

The Somnath Swabhiman Parv marks a historic milestone in the temple’s long journey. In January 1026, the temple was attacked by Mahmud of Ghazni, initiating a series of invasions over centuries that repeatedly destroyed and tested this sacred shrine.

Despite these challenges, the Somnath Temple was rebuilt numerous times, becoming a powerful symbol of Indian civilisation’s depth and resilience. This enduring spirit is central to the Parv’s celebrations, with organisers emphasising not the devastation of the past but the unbroken continuity of faith.

The year 2026 is doubly significant because it also marks 75 years since the temple’s reconstruction was completed and opened to the public in 1951, following India’s independence. This intertwines the celebration with modern India’s journey of nation-building and cultural revival.

Prime Minister Leads National Observance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Somnath to participate in the Swabhiman Parv, highlighting the temple’s role as a symbol of civilisational courage and cultural pride.

During his three-day visit, he took part in traditional rituals, offered prayers and addressed gatherings that reflected on the temple’s significance as a cornerstone of India’s spiritual identity. Modi also underscored that the Parv honours those who preserved the heritage and spirit of Somnath across the centuries.

Spiritual and Cultural Activities Across the Parv

The four-day Parv featured a range of devotional and cultural events designed to engage visitors and deepen public appreciation of the temple’s legacy. A notable highlight was the 72-hour Akhand Omkar chanting, a continuous recitation symbolising unity and collective devotion. The temple town also hosted devotional music performances, cultural programmes, and spiritual discourses, creating an atmosphere of reflection and reverence.

The celebrations have been so well-received that the Gujarat government extended the Parv until January 15, enabling more devotees to participate in the festivities and anniversary observances.

A Symbol of Faith and National Identity

More than a festival, the Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being viewed as a collective affirmation of India’s civilisational strength, spiritual continuity and cultural pride.

As visitors from across the nation continue to join in the celebrations, the Parv reaffirms Somnath’s place not only as a revered pilgrimage site but also as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience that have defined the region across centuries.