Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday offered prayers at the Somnath temple in Gujarat and took part in rituals marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations at the ancient shrine.
The Prime Minister joined the chanting of the ‘Omkar Mantra’ at the temple. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being observed to commemorate 1,000 years since the first attack on the historic shrine. The celebrations began on January 8 and will conclude on January 11.
PM Modi also witnessed a mega drone show featuring thematic formations, including large images of Lord Shiva and a shivling, along with a 3D depiction of the Somnath temple. Nearly 3,000 drones will be used to recreate the historical events associated with the temple.
The Prime Minister is on a three-day visit to Gujarat, during which he will attend several programmes, including the temple celebrations and the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference.
He received a warm welcome from Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries. As his convoy headed to the VVIP circuit house near the temple, the Prime Minister held a brief roadshow, with large crowds of local residents and outstation devotees lining both sides of the route to greet him.
On Sunday, around 9:45 am, the PM will take part in the 'Shaurya Yatra', a ceremonial procession organised to honour those who laid down their lives defending the Somnath temple, said a PIB release. The Shaurya Yatra will feature a symbolic procession of 108 horses, reflecting valour and sacrifice, it said.
Thereafter, Modi will offer prayers at the Somnath temple at around 10:15 am and then take part in a public function marking Somnath Swabhiman Parv at 11 am.
