Chief Minister Flags Off Special Train Carrying 1,150 Pilgrims for Somnath Yatra, Says Devotees Carry Bihar’s Faith and Pride

Key Highlights

• Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary flagged off the Somnath Yatra from Patliputra Junction, Patna, sending off a special train carrying 1,150 pilgrims.
• The event was organised under the theme “Somnath Swabhiman Parv – The Glorious Saga of Unwavering Faith.”
• The Chief Minister presented the ceremonial Kalash to Shobha Singh and the sacred flag (Dhwaj) to Ajit Kumar.
• The flag and Kalash accompanying the pilgrimage symbolise Bihar’s faith, pride, and prosperity.

Patna, July 2026: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday inaugurated the Somnath Yatra by flagging off a special train carrying 1,150 pilgrims from Patliputra Junction in Patna. Before the departure, the Chief Minister boarded the train to interact with the pilgrims, reviewed the travel arrangements, and wished them a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey.

The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by the beating of traditional drums and the blowing of conch shells. On behalf of the people of Bihar, the Chief Minister presented the ceremonial Kalash to Shobha Singh and the sacred Dhwaj (flag) to Ajit Kumar. The event was organised under the theme “Somnath Swabhiman Parv (The Glorious Saga of Unwavering Faith)”, reflecting devotion, cultural consciousness, and national pride.

Addressing the gathering, Choudhary welcomed the pilgrims and said that devotees from across Bihar were participating in this sacred journey. He noted that the flag and Kalash accompanying the yatra represent Bihar’s faith, self-respect, and rich cultural heritage.

He said the pilgrimage would pass through several states and that all necessary arrangements had been made to ensure the comfort and convenience of the pilgrims. The Chief Minister urged the devotees to spread the message of Bihar’s spiritual traditions, cultural heritage, and pride wherever they travel.

Highlighting the significance of the pilgrimage, Choudhary said that with the blessings of Lord Somnath, Gujarat and the nation continue to progress steadily and achieve new milestones. He expressed confidence that Bihar, too, would reach new heights of development, prosperity, and cultural renaissance through the blessings of Lord Somnath.

The Chief Minister appealed to the pilgrims to visit Kashi Vishwanath along with Somnath and pray for Bihar’s peace, prosperity, happiness, and overall development.

Recalling India’s historical heritage, Choudhary said that the Somnath Temple was plundered nearly a thousand years ago and that Nalanda University was also destroyed by invaders. He noted that the Somnath Temple was rebuilt 75 years ago, with Bihar’s first President Dr Rajendra Prasad playing a significant role in its restoration.

He said Bihar possesses a glorious history, and the government remains committed to restoring and preserving this rich legacy. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Nalanda University has also been revived.

The Chief Minister said the Somnath Yatra is not merely a religious pilgrimage but also a journey to promote Bihar’s Sanatan traditions, cultural heritage, and spiritual consciousness across the country.

During the event, Pranav Kumar, Secretary of the Department of Art and Culture, welcomed the Chief Minister by presenting him with a traditional shawl and a memento.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Art and Culture Minister Dr Pramod Kumar, BJP State President and MLA Sanjay Saraogi, Cooperation Minister Ramkripal Yadav, MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia, Chief Minister’s Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh, senior government officials, public representatives, and the pilgrims participating in the Somnath Yatra were also present at the ceremony.