Amit Shah Urges Citizens to Participate in Somnath Swabhiman Festival

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called on citizens to engage in the ongoing Somnath Swabhiman Festival, emphasizing the temple's historical significance and the resilience of Sanatan culture. He highlighted the temple's ability to withstand attacks over the centuries and its role as a symbol of cultural pride. The festival, which runs until January 11, aims to instill the values of continuity and strength in future generations. Shah, who is a trustee of the temple, expressed his honor in serving this sacred site and encouraged widespread participation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 9, 2026, 11:30 IST

Call to Join the Somnath Swabhiman Festival

The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, has encouraged citizens to actively participate in the three-day ‘Somnath Swabhiman Festival’ that commenced on Thursday. He also serves as a trustee of the Somnath Mahadev Temple.

In a post shared on the social media platform ‘X’, Shah remarked, “The Somnath Mahadev Temple is not only a Jyotirlinga but also a timeless heritage of Sanatan culture and spiritual pride. Over the past thousand years, this temple has faced numerous attacks, yet it has always risen again. It symbolizes our civilizational immortality and unwavering determination to never give up.”

He further stated, “Those who attempted to erase it have vanished, but this temple stands today with even greater splendor.” The Union Minister emphasized that the historical significance of the Somnath Temple illustrates that while such attacks may cause damage, they cannot obliterate it, as the essence of Sanatan culture is to rise again with even more grandeur and divinity.”

Shah added, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to celebrate the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Festival’ to mark the thousand-year anniversary of the first attack on the Somnath Temple, ensuring that the message of the continuity and resilience of Sanatan culture reaches future generations.”

He expressed his privilege in being a trustee of this sacred temple located in Veraval, Gujarat, and urged all citizens to join the Somnath Swabhiman Festival, which will continue until January 11.