Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a three-day visit to Gujarat from Jan 10, during which he will participate in religious, developmental and diplomatic engagements across Somnath, Rajkot, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
A key highlight of the visit will be the Prime Minister’s participation in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv at the coastal town of Veraval in Gir Somnath district. The four-day event, which began on Thursday, commemorates 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026 AD by Mahmud of Ghazni. The celebrations also coincide with the upcoming 75th anniversary of the inauguration of the restored temple in 1951.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive at Somnath this evening, where he will take part in Omkar Mantra chanting at the historic temple and witness a special drone show. On Saturday, he will participate in the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession organised to honour the valour of countless warriors who sacrificed their lives defending the Somnath Temple over the centuries. He will also offer prayers at the temple and address a public function marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv.
Earlier, in a social media post marking the commencement of the parv, the Prime Minister said that despite repeated attacks over the centuries, the unwavering faith of devotees and India’s civilisational resolve ensured the rebuilding of the Somnath Temple time and again. He said the event also serves to remember the countless sons and daughters of the nation who never compromised on their values and principles. The temple, he added, stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, faith and national pride.
After Independence, the restoration of the Somnath Temple was undertaken under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A major milestone in its revival was achieved in 1951, when the restored temple was formally opened to devotees in the presence of the then President Dr Rajendra Prasad.
Later on Saturday, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Rajkot to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra region at Marwadi University. He will also address the gathering and inaugurate the trade show and exhibition being organised as part of the conference.
From Rajkot, the Prime Minister will proceed to Ahmedabad, where he will inaugurate the remaining stretch of Phase-2 of the Ahmedabad Metro from Sector 10A to Mahatma Mandir, marking a significant milestone in the city’s urban transport infrastructure.
On Monday, Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad. Both leaders will also visit the Sabarmati Ashram and attend the International Kite Festival, officials said.