Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 12 May 2026, participated in the 'Somnath Amrutparv-2026' celebrations at the Somnath Temple in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district, marking 75 years of the temple's post-Independence reconstruction with a series of religious, cultural, and aerial events. Modi, who also serves as chairman of the Shree Somnath Trust, arrived from Jamnagar by air and greeted citizens during a roadshow from the helipad to Veer Hamirji Gohil Circle in Veraval.

Key Ceremonies at the Temple

The Prime Minister offered prayers at the temple, performed the Kumbhabhishek ceremony, and hoisted the temple flag. He also paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose pivotal role after Independence drove the temple's reconstruction. Modi addressed a public gathering at Sadbhavana Ground, released a special commemorative postage stamp featuring the Somnath Temple, and unveiled a commemorative ₹75 coin marking the anniversary year.

Exhibition: From Destruction to Development

An exhibition tracing the history and reconstruction of the temple has been organised within the temple premises under the theme 'from destruction to development'. Presented through LED displays, archival material, and rare photographs, the exhibition covers references to the temple in the Shiv Mahapuran and details of reconstruction efforts across multiple eras. Historical figures including Veer Hamirji, Kanhaddev, Rajabhoj, and Bhimdev Solanki are highlighted for their contributions. Rare documents connected to Patel's post-Independence restoration initiative are also on display. A recorded message from Modi — in which he states: "At the root of building a developed India lies our spiritual strength, which is all-powerful" — is prominently featured at the venue. The exhibition will remain open to devotees in the coming days following the main celebrations.

IAF Suryakiran Aerobatic Display

The celebrations featured an air display by the Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team above the Somnath temple. According to Wing Commander Janmeet Sharma, the team performed synchronised aerial manoeuvres using Hawk Mk-132 aircraft during a 15-minute display. The aircraft took off from Jamnagar Air Force Station and reached Somnath in approximately 18 minutes. The team, established in 1996, has conducted more than 800 aerial displays across India and has represented the Indian Air Force internationally in countries including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.

Pilot Team and Technical Details

Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi led the 13-member pilot team during the display, supported by 25 to 30 Air Force personnel from Jamnagar overseeing aviation safety, flypast control, weather monitoring, and communication. The aircraft used indigenously developed smoke pods — created by the Air Force's Base Repair Depot in Nashik — to release saffron, white, and green smoke representing the Indian Tricolour. Separately, an Air Force Chetak helicopter conducted a flower shower over the temple premises. The helicopter unit, based in Jamnagar, also undertakes search and rescue, medical evacuation, and disaster relief operations. Rehearsals for the aerial tribute were carried out over the preceding two days.

Historical Significance

The Somnath Temple's post-Independence reconstruction, championed by Sardar Patel, stands as one of the most symbolically charged acts of nation-building in modern India. The 75th anniversary milestone has drawn renewed attention to the temple's layered history — from repeated medieval-era destructions to its consecration in 1951 under President Rajendra Prasad. This year's Amrutparv reframes that narrative for a new generation through heritage exhibitions and state-level ceremonial grandeur, underscoring the temple's continued centrality in India's cultural and political imagination.