Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the Somnath Swabhiman Parv on January 8, 2026, initiating a year-long series of events to commemorate 1,000 years since the first attack on the revered Somnath Temple in Gujarat by Mahmud of Ghazni in January 1026. This observance, themed 'Unbroken Faith', underscores the temple's repeated destruction and triumphant reconstructions, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of Indian civilization that refused to yield to invaders over centuries.

In posts on X, the Prime Minister declared that the Swabhiman Parv serves as a solemn remembrance of the innumerable sons and daughters of Bharat Mata who steadfastly upheld their principles and cultural ethos amid the most perilous eras. He emphasized how relentless assaults failed to extinguish the eternal devotion of millions or fracture the civilizational resolve that persistently revived the sacred shrine, transforming each act of devastation into a testament of renewal and cultural unity.

Modi vividly recounted the temple's history, noting that despite barbaric invasions aimed at demolition rather than devotion, Somnath stands gloriously today on the shores of Prabhas Patan. He invoked quotes from Swami Vivekananda and ancient sages to highlight the enduring power of faith over hatred, while sharing personal photographs from prior visits and inviting citizens to contribute their own using the hashtag #SomnathSwabhimanParv to foster national participation.

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The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive in Somnath on January 10 evening, offering prayers on January 11, paying homage to Sardar Patel's statue, participating in a grand Shaurya Yatra with 108 horses, a roadshow, and addressing a public gathering on cultural unity. Initial events from January 8 to 11 feature 72-hour continuous Omkar chanting, devotional music performances, folk dances, cultural programs, and spiritual activities across multiple stages, drawing pilgrims nationwide.

Furthermore, 2026 coincides with the 75th anniversary of the temple's post-Independence reconstruction and grand reopening on May 11, 1951, in the presence of President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, spearheaded by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K.M. Munshi. Modi recalled the 2001 golden jubilee celebrations attended by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Home Minister L.K. Advani, praising ongoing developments like the Somnath Corridor project for enhancing tourism and pilgrimage experiences.

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