New Delhi, 30 April (H.S.): The Somnath Swabhiman Parva Yatra commenced Thursday from Delhi's Safdarjung Railway Station. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta flagged off the train by waving the green flag. Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra was also present on the occasion. Before departure, all leaders greeted the devotees and extended best wishes for the journey.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat posted on X that the yatra aims to showcase cultural heritage and national pride through the timeless saga of the Somnath Temple. He highlighted the harmonious unity flowing from our faith.

Chief Minister Gupta posted on X that by the grace of Devadhidev Mahadev, she had the privilege today of sending Delhi's brothers and sisters on the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parva-Somnath Yatra'. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and inspiration, this special festival celebrates Somnath—the symbol of a thousand years of unbroken faith, revival, and national pride.

CM Gupta stated that this yatra powerfully extends the Prime Minister's grand campaign to connect India's cultural consciousness with every citizen, linking us to our eternal roots while propelling us toward the future. The special train carrying 1,300 devotees will reach Somnath Friday morning. Pilgrims will have darshan of Lord Shiva's sacred Jyotirlinga on May 1, 2, and 3, besides visiting prominent nearby temples to earn spiritual merit.

The Chief Minister noted that Gujarat government is extending full cooperation for devotees' stay, meals, drinking water, and other essential facilities during the yatra. She expressed gratitude to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Railway Ministry, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra for ensuring the grand yatra's success.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar