Prime Minister Modi participated in ‘Somnath Amrit Mahotsav’ program!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday participated in the ‘Somnath Amrit Mahotsav’ in Gir Somnath district of Gujarat. The festival was celebrated to commemorate 75 years of the inauguration of the renovated Somnath temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Held at the historic Somnath Temple, the ceremonies commemorated the restoration of the temple and its inauguration by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1951. Before the religious ceremonies, PM Modi held a road show after reaching Somnath from Jamnagar. The PM stayed in Jamnagar after reaching Gujarat on Sunday night. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi were also present in this road show.

Thousands of people gathered on the approximately 1.5 km long route from the helipad to Veer Hamirji Circle located near the temple to welcome the Prime Minister. When the Prime Minister’s convoy passed through the area, supporters waved flags and raised slogans.

At the same time, artists from many states including West Bengal presented traditional cultural dances at designated places on the way. The Prime Minister later attended functions held at the temple complex, where special rituals and prayers were conducted as part of the celebrations.

A ‘Kumbhabhishek’ ceremony was performed using holy water brought from 11 holy pilgrimage sites across the country. Amidst the Vedic chanting and devotional prayers, ceremonial flag hoisting and traditional religious rituals were also performed.

PM Modi performed rituals like Jalabhishek, flag worship and Mahapuja in the temple. Flowers were also showered on the temple from helicopters during the ceremonies. The temple complex was lavishly decorated for the occasion and a large number of devotees and dignitaries attended the event.

In view of the Prime Minister’s visit and possible gathering of people, security arrangements were tightened across the district. The celebrations have been organized to commemorate 75 years of the formal inauguration of the rebuilt temple after independence. The Prime Minister will also address a public meeting at Sadbhavna Maidan in Somnath.