Somnath Swabhiman Parv: Delhi Govt to Sponsor Free Pilgrimage for 1,300 Devotees to Somnath Dham

Special Train to Depart Safdarjung on April 30; Yatra Dedicated to 1,000 Years of Unbroken Faith: CM Rekha Gupta

Somnath Dham Symbolises a Resilient Legacy That Endured Every Era: CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, April 2026 : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, the Delhi government will organise the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv – Somnath Yatra’, a major pilgrimage initiative aimed at reconnecting citizens with their spiritual roots. Announcing the programme, the Chief Minister said the initiative is dedicated to ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv – 1,000 years of unbroken faith’ and forms part of a broader nationwide series of events commemorating Somnath’s enduring spiritual legacy. “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.

A special train carrying around 1,300 devotees will depart from Safdarjung Railway Station on April 30 for Somnath Temple in Gujarat. The Chief Minister will flag off the train. It is expected to reach Somnath the following morning. Pilgrims will stay from May 1 to May 3, during which they will offer prayers at the revered Jyotirlinga and visit nearby temples. The entire journey will be free of cost. Arrangements for accommodation, food, drinking water and other essentials will be ensured by the Gujarat government, for which the Chief Minister expressed her gratitude.

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 Shri 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.

Gupta said the initiative is part of a nationwide effort to revisit and widely promote the historical, religious and cultural significance of Somnath, marking 1,000 years of uninterrupted faith. Wishing the pilgrims well, she said the journey would be a deeply spiritual, culturally enriching and inspiring experience for all.