PM Modi Leads Shaurya Yatra as Lights, Drones and Devotion Draw Massive Crowd in Somnath
Ceremonial procession, drone show and religious fervour mark Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Gujarat.
Somnath (Gujarat), Jan 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led the ‘Shaurya Yatra’, a ceremonial procession organised to honour those who sacrificed their lives in defence of the historic Somnath temple in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district.
The yatra, held as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, featured a procession of 108 horses symbolising valour and sacrifice. A large number of devotees and local residents lined both sides of the route, greeting the Prime Minister with chants and applause.
Standing atop a specially designed vehicle, Mr. Modi, accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, acknowledged the crowd during the one kilometre long procession.
Meanwhile, Somnath witnessed unprecedented footfall on Saturday night as thousands of devotees thronged the temple complex, staying well past midnight despite winter chill. Dazzling fireworks, elaborate lighting arrangements and a spectacular drone show blended with deep religious devotion to create a festive atmosphere at the ancient shrine.
The crowd swelled late in the evening following the Prime Minister’s visit to the temple as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Devotees of all ages, including local residents and pilgrims from distant regions, took part in the celebrations.
On Saturday evening, Mr. Modi participated in ‘Omkar Mantra’ chanting, offered prayers at the temple, and witnessed a grand drone show featuring around 3,000 drones, mirroring the scale and enthusiasm of the gathering on the ground.
Among the visitors was Preeti Karelia, who travelled from Mumbai along with 24 other women specifically to witness the Somnath celebrations, underscoring the nationwide appeal of the event.
