The Glory of Somnath Swabhiman Parv

January 14, 2026

Abhishek Vij

The glorious history of the Somnath Temple spans thousands of years. It has a history of reconstruction and victory. India is proud of this history. But elements that oppose this glorious history still exist today. It is the duty of every Indian to defeat such elements and embrace the golden history of their Indian culture. On Sunday, on the occasion of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his heartfelt address at the Somnath Temple, said that the same forces that opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple are still present today.

The only way to be vigilant against them is for the country to become strong and remain united. Sunday marked the anniversary of the attack on the Somnath Temple 1000 years ago, as well as the 75th anniversary of the temple’s reconstruction. So many sacrifices were made to protect this glorious temple, and the history of so many heroes is connected to the Somnath Temple, but why has it not received the importance it deserves in history? This shows that there is a need to rewrite the country’s cultural history. This is the effort being made today. Before the puja, Modi participated in the Shaurya Yatra (Valour March). On this occasion, a group of people playing drums and the sound of 108 horses’ hooves doubled the attraction of the Shaurya Yatra. Prime Minister Modi watched this grand celebration from an open-top vehicle. As the procession moved forward, the crowds gathered on the streets cheered and showered flower petals.

Undoubtedly, the flow of faith of Indians dedicated to religion is unparalleled. The way devotees welcomed the Somnath Swabhiman Parv and embraced their cultural pride was an unimaginable sight. But those who don’t want to see the good find fault in everything. Even on the occasion of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, some politicians called it Modi’s trump card to win elections. They argued that such ceremonies and processions, held in the name of cultural awakening, were being used to polarize Hindu votes. But if someone objects even to initiatives aimed at awakening the nation’s national or cultural consciousness, won’t this diminish our national pride worldwide? What about the fundamentalists? They even objected to the tricolor flag.

They also dismissed the Vande Mataram campaign. Now, with the Somnath Swabhiman Parv (Somnath Pride Festival), the opposing factions are trying to find some political angle in this as well. Remember, our ancient religious sites, not only our temples but also mosques and Gurudwaras, hold centuries of glorious history. If a festival is celebrated in their honor, a true Indian should not have any objection whatsoever. But the winds of politics are blowing in such a way in this country these days that even a festival commemorating the immortal culture of Somnath is being questioned. This should not happen; instead, we should be content with being enriched by our cultural heritage. Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s statement, “I will make sparrows fight eagles,” will only be successful when no community forgets its cultural pride. There is nothing wrong with celebrating festivals; rather, those who find communalism in them are themselves disconnected from reality. Compared to them, the majority of the country appreciates such initiatives. Therefore, we salute every devout person, every devotee, who participated in the procession celebrating the pride of the Somnath temple. The Glory of Somnath Swabhiman Parv.

The glorious history of the Somnath Temple spans thousands of years. It has a history of reconstruction and victory. India is proud of this history. But elements that oppose this glorious history still exist today. It is the duty of every Indian to defeat such elements and embrace the golden history of their Indian culture. On Sunday, on the occasion of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his heartfelt address at the Somnath Temple, said that the same forces that opposed the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple are still present today.

The only way to be vigilant against them is for the country to become strong and remain united. Sunday marked the anniversary of the attack on the Somnath Temple 1000 years ago, as well as the 75th anniversary of the temple’s reconstruction. So many sacrifices were made to protect this glorious temple, and the history of so many heroes is connected to the Somnath Temple, but why has it not received the importance it deserves in history? This shows that there is a need to rewrite the country’s cultural history. This is the effort being made today. Before the puja, Modi participated in the Shaurya Yatra (Valour March). On this occasion, a group of people playing drums and the sound of 108 horses’ hooves doubled the attraction of the Shaurya Yatra. Prime Minister Modi watched this grand celebration from an open-top vehicle. As the procession moved forward, the crowds gathered on the streets cheered and showered flower petals.

Undoubtedly, the flow of faith of Indians dedicated to religion is unparalleled. The way devotees welcomed the Somnath Swabhiman Parv and embraced their cultural pride was an unimaginable sight. But those who don’t want to see the good find fault in everything. Even on the occasion of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, some politicians called it Modi’s trump card to win elections.
They argued that such ceremonies and processions, held in the name of cultural awakening, were being used to polarize Hindu votes. But if someone objects even to initiatives aimed at awakening the nation’s national or cultural consciousness, won’t this diminish our national pride worldwide? What about the fundamentalists? They even objected to the tricolor flag.

They also dismissed the Vande Mataram campaign. Now, with the Somnath Swabhiman Parv (Somnath Pride Festival), the opposing factions are trying to find some political angle in this as well. Remember, our ancient religious sites, not only our temples but also mosques and Gurudwaras, hold centuries of glorious history. If a festival is celebrated in their honor, a true Indian should not have any objection whatsoever. But the winds of politics are blowing in such a way in this country these days that even a festival commemorating the immortal culture of Somnath is being questioned.

This should not happen; instead, we should be content with being enriched by our cultural heritage. Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s statement, “I will make sparrows fight eagles,” will only be successful when no community forgets its cultural pride. There is nothing wrong with celebrating festivals; rather, those who find communalism in them are themselves disconnected from reality. Compared to them, the majority of the country appreciates such initiatives. Therefore, we salute every devout person, every devotee, who participated in the procession celebrating the pride of the Somnath temple.