Sri Vijaya Puram, May 12: The Ministry of Culture is organising the Somnath Swabhiman Parv – 1000 Years of Resilience and Unwavering Faith, a year-long national commemoration being observed from January 11, 2026 to January 11, 2027.
The event marks two major milestones in India’s historical and cultural journey – one thousand years since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026 AD and seventy-five years since the reconstruction and reopening of the temple in 1951 after Independence.
To commemorate the occasion in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Department of Art and Culture organised a State-level programme at the Shiv Temple on Sunday.
The programme began with a traditional ‘Kalash Yatra’ that commenced from the Ayyannar Temple.
A large number of women devotees, community members and residents participated in the yatra with devotion and enthusiasm as the procession moved towards Shiv Temple at Mazar Pahad.
Officials stated that the Kalash Yatra symbolised faith, unity and cultural pride and formed one of the major highlights of the event.
The religious procession culminated at Shiv Temple where chanting of mantras and special puja archana were performed as part of the celebrations.
The event witnessed the participation of Bishnu Pada Ray, Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, senior officers of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and a large gathering of devotees from different sections of society.
A cultural programme reflecting the spiritual and cultural significance of the occasion was also organised during the celebrations.
The gathering also witnessed live screening of the National-level programme from Somnath Temple, including the address delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Officials stated that Somnath Swabhiman Parv has been envisioned as a platform for meaningful cultural engagement aimed at strengthening national identity and promoting awareness about India’s rich civilisational heritage.
The commemoration celebrates the resilience, faith and continuity associated with Somnath Temple, which has witnessed repeated destruction and reconstruction across centuries.
Authorities noted that the event also served as a reaffirmation of India’s cultural unity and enduring spiritual traditions.
Participants from various walks of life attended the programme and joined the celebrations with religious fervour and enthusiasm.
Officials said the active participation of devotees and community members made the programme a memorable and meaningful occasion in the Islands.
The Department of Art and Culture stated that the celebrations reflected the importance of preserving and promoting India’s cultural and spiritual heritage among younger generations and society at large.
