1,300 devotees to join Somnath Yatra marking 1,000 years of faith

The Delhi Government is organising a pilgrimage for 1,300 devotees to the Somnath pilgrimage to mark 1,000 years of faith in the shrine that was attacked by Mahmud Ghazni in 1026.

Announcing this on Monday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said her Government is organising Somnath Swabhiman Parv-Somnath Yatra for Delhiites, which is dedicated to 1,000 years of “eternal faith”.

A special train carrying around 1,300 devotees will depart from Safdarjung railway station on April 30 for the shrine of Somnath in Gujarat. The train is scheduled to reach its destination the following morning, said Rekha Gupta. During the three-day visit from May 1 to May 3, the pilgrims will offer prayers at the Somnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and also visit other nearby religious sites, she said. All arrangements for accommodation, food, drinking water and other facilities for the devotees will be made by the Gujarat Government, she said.

The Delhi chief minister said the initiative is not just a pilgrimage but an auspicious occasion to connect with the Sanatan culture, Indian tradition and spiritual roots of the country. She said the Somnath shrine is a divine symbol of Lord Shiva’s blessings, the faith of Sanatan and the eternal cultural consciousness of India.

“This is not merely a journey, but a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with Sanatan traditions, India’s cultural ethos and our shared civilisational heritage,” she said. Highlighting the spiritual significance of Somnath, Gupta said the shrine represents Lord Shiva’s divine grace, enduring faith and India’s timeless cultural consciousness.

“It stands as a reminder of a legacy that has withstood every challenge and preserved its identity and belief. This yatra is a celebration of that resilience and national pride,” she said, adding that the strong participation from Delhi reflects the depth and strength of the country’s cultural roots.

She noted that such initiatives not only reinforce religious faith but also foster social harmony and national unity. “This effort will further strengthen the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and provide younger generations an opportunity to connect with their traditions,” she said.

Referring to ongoing efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said India’s cultural heritage is being actively preserved, revitalised and showcased on the global stage. “Somnath is part of that larger vision, where faith and modernity come together seamlessly,” she added.