Grand ‘Damaru Rally’ of Over 500 Sadhus and Saints in Somnath

January 9, 2026

Ahmedabad: More than 500 Sadhus and Saints from across the country participated in a grand ‘Damaru Rally’ in Somnath district of Gujarat on Friday, with the sound of sacred drums resonating throughout the region. Participating saints described the event as a ‘mini Kumbh Mela,’ reflecting the massive and spiritually fervent gathering.

Held before Prime Minister Modi’s visit

This rally was held before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Even before the Prime Minister’s arrival, an atmosphere of celebration, devotion, and enthusiasm prevailed in Somnath. Devotees and locals felt as if Mount Kailash itself had descended upon this holy city.

Holy Procession in the City

From Shankha Chakra (Good Luck Circle) to Hamirji Gohil Circle and the Somnath Mahadev Temple, saints and sages took out a massive procession, playing the “Dak” (drums) and “Damru” (drums) and chanting sacred slogans. The echo of the drums echoed throughout the area, along with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Somnath,” creating a highly spiritual atmosphere in Somnath.

Route and Timing of the Damru Rally

The “Damru Rally” began at around 10 a.m. from Shankha Chakra, located about a kilometer away, and passed through Hamirji Circle, finally culminating at the Somnath Temple. The saints and sages, dressed in traditional attire, and the devotees accompanying them added to the grandeur of the procession.

Devotees and Tourists Enthralled

Pilgrims and tourists visiting Somnath expressed delight and amazement at the sight. Many devotees were seen capturing this historic moment with their cameras, while the sound of drums and devotional songs left a deep impression on everyone present.

Saints call it a historic spiritual event

Speaking to IANS, Saint Piyudan Gadhvi Sadhu said that he has come to Gujarat to participate in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv and described it as a historic and unique festival being held at Somnath, the first Jyotirlinga, after centuries. He said that bhajans, community meals, and chanting of Lord Shiva’s name from January 8 to 11 will unite people in devotion. He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence will make this event an important milestone.

‘Mini Kumbh Mela’: Another Saint’s Opinion

Saint Bhardwaj Nand Giri also described the atmosphere as a mini Kumbh Mela. He said that the Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being held after almost a thousand years, and thousands of scholars and devotees are participating under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and the guidance of saints, making it a symbol of faith and cultural pride.

Four-day Somnath Swabhiman Parv begins

The four-day Somnath Swabhiman Parv began on Thursday at the Somnath Mahadev Temple, marking the 75th anniversary of the inauguration of this historic temple of Lord Shiva. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit the Somnath Temple on January 10 and participate in the Swabhiman Parv events.

Grand Shaurya Yatra at the Conclusion

One of the major attractions of the festival is the grand Shaurya Yatra, which will be held on the final day, January 11. 108 horsemen from the Gujarat Police Cavalry will participate in it in traditional attire.

Celebration of Somnath’s resilience and self-respect

The Swabhiman Parv celebrates the unwavering spirit of the Somnath Temple, as the year 2026 will mark one thousand years since the first invasion in January 1026 AD. The Somnath Mahadev Temple symbolizes India’s self-respect, resilience, and reconstruction. Despite repeated attacks, Somnath stood tall and remains a symbol of the nation’s unwavering pride even today.

A Message of Cultural Self-Confidence and National Pride

The Somnath Swabhiman Parv aims to bring this history to life for the current generation. This four-day event will celebrate India’s cultural self-confidence, spiritual heritage, and national pride and spread the message of Somnath’s self-respect across the country.