Veraval, Gir Somnath, 10 January (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in the sacred town of Somnath on Saturday evening, marking the commencement of his meticulously planned three-day visit to Gujarat. The arrival, steeped in spiritual and historical resonance, sets the stage for a series of high-profile engagements, including participation in the prestigious Somnath Swabhiman Parv and the inauguration of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot.

Warm Reception and Devotees' Enthusiasm

Upon landing at the helipad adjacent to the iconic Somnath Mahadev Temple near Veraval town in Gir Somnath district, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, along with an array of senior state dignitaries. Proceeding in a secure convoy to the VVIP circuit house proximate to the temple, the Prime Minister was greeted by throngs of locals and pilgrims lining the streets.

Their exuberant cheers and traditional salutations underscored the profound cultural significance of his presence in this historic coastal enclave.

Security has been fortified across Prabhas Patan, with enhanced drone surveillance and coastal patrols to ensure seamless proceedings.

Commemorating a Millennium of Resilience

The visit coincides with the Somnath Swabhiman Parv 2026, a grand commemoration observing two pivotal milestones: the 1,000th anniversary of the temple's invasion in 1026 AD by Mahmud of Ghazni, and the 75th year of its remarkable post-Independence reconstruction in 1951.

This event symbolizes India's enduring spirit of revival, with the ancient Somnath Temple—regarded as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas—standing as a beacon of cultural renaissance.

On Saturday itself, PM Modi is slated to partake in the sacred ‘Omkar Jap’ chant within the temple precincts, a meditative ritual invoking divine blessings. As night falls, the skies over Prabhas Patan will illuminate with a spectacular drone show, choreographed to narrate the temple's storied past and its phoenix-like resurgence. Eyewitness accounts from the site describe preparations in full swing, with floral tributes and illuminated facades transforming the temple complex into a mesmerizing spectacle.

Packed Itinerary for Sunday: Prayers, Yatra, and Public Address

Sunday, January 11, promises an action-packed day. The Prime Minister will join the ceremonial Shorya Yatra, a procession honoring the temple's warriors and rebuilders, before offering fervent prayers to Somnath Mahadev. He is then scheduled to address a massive public gathering in Somnath, where he is expected to elucidate on themes of national pride, heritage preservation, and economic self-reliance.

Thereafter, PM Modi will proceed to Rajkot to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, a key platform fostering investment, innovation, and inter-state collaboration. This event aligns seamlessly with Gujarat's trajectory as an investment magnet, building on the legacy of the biennial global summits.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar