Somnath Swabhiman Parv: Shiva Tandav Resonates at Gauri Shankar Temple, CM Rekha Gupta Performs Jalabhishek

Faith in Somnath Never Bowed Despite Repeated Invasions, Says CM Rekha Gupta

Somnath Temple is the Soul of India and a Symbol of National Pride: CM Rekha Gupta

Invaders Vanished but Sanatan Stands Tall in All Its Glory: Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra

New Delhi, May 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Monday attended the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv-2026’ celebrations at the historic Gauri Shankar Temple in Chandni Chowk, marking 75 years of the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple. The event blended spirituality, devotion and cultural pride, with the temple premises resonating with Shiva bhajans, Omkar chants and powerful Shiv Tandav performances.

During the programme, the Chief Minister also watched Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s live address to the nation from Somnath in Gujarat and virtually joined the national celebrations. A large number of devotees gathered at the temple from early morning, turning the occasion into a vibrant spiritual festival. Delhi Cabinet ministers Shri Parvesh Sahib Singh, Shri Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Shri Kapil Mishra, along with several dignitaries and devotees, were also present.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ symbolises India’s Sanatan faith, cultural consciousness and national self-respect. She said that despite centuries of invasions and destruction, the faith associated with Somnath never weakened, and India’s spiritual strength continued to rise again each time. The Chief Minister said the country, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, is moving ahead with modern development while simultaneously preserving its cultural and spiritual heritage. She added that the Somnath Temple, standing today in all its grandeur, is a matter of pride and honour for every Indian.

The Chief Minister said India is setting new benchmarks in technology, infrastructure and development under the Prime Minister’s leadership, while also giving unprecedented importance to the preservation and promotion of the country’s cultural heritage, spirituality and Sanatan traditions. “Somnath is not merely a temple, but a symbol of India’s soul, culture and spiritual consciousness,” she said, adding that such events inspire people to stay connected with their heritage, traditions and national pride. At the end of the programme, the Chief Minister performed Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva and prayed for the country’s prosperity, peace and progress. She also extended greetings to citizens on the occasion of ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’.

Speaking at the event, Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra said the programme reflected the enduring strength of Sanatan Dharma, which has kept its faith, culture and consciousness alive despite centuries of invasions and challenges. He said several invaders attempted to destroy temples and centres of faith through force, but failed to erase Sanatan traditions. “Today, in the places from where those invaders once came, little remains except dust and sand, while Sanatan still stands proudly in all its glory,” Mishra said.

He added that the gathering was a tribute to the thousand-year-old struggle, traditions and self-respect of Sanatan Dharma. Referring to the ongoing rituals at Somnath, he said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji was simultaneously offering prayers at the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, making the occasion a powerful symbol of faith, unity and cultural consciousness. Mishra also welcomed and thanked all devotees and citizens present at the event.