PM Modi attends Somnath Amrut Mahotsav; BJP slams Congress on Sanatan culture
Synopsis
PM Modi's participation in the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav — marking 75 years of the temple's reconstruction — has become both a religious milestone and a political flashpoint, with BJP leaders using the occasion to mount a sharp attack on Congress over what they allege was deliberate erosion of Sanatan culture through minority appeasement.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi participated in the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav on Monday , marking 75 years since the temple's reconstruction and inauguration.
He took part in the Vishesh Maha Puja , Kumbhabhishek , and Dhvajarohan ceremonies, and released a commemorative stamp and coin .
Bihar BJP chief Sanjay Saraogi praised Modi's efforts to preserve Sanatan culture and accused previous Congress governments of working for a specific community.
Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said Modi would pray for the happiness and prosperity of 140 crore Indians and for India's development.
The event drew thousands of devotees, religious leaders, artists, and dignitaries from across the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday participated in the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav in Gujarat, marking 75 years since the reconstruction and inauguration of the historic Somnath Temple. The event drew thousands of devotees, religious leaders, and dignitaries from across the country, as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders used the occasion to sharply criticise previous Congress-led governments for allegedly undermining Sanatan culture.
Modi's Role in the Mahotsav
According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), PM Modi participated in the Vishesh Maha Puja, Kumbhabhishek, and Dhvajarohan ceremonies during the celebrations. He also released a commemorative stamp and a commemorative coin marking the 75th anniversary of the restored shrine. Authorities deployed extensive security arrangements in and around Somnath ahead of the visit, alongside elaborate welcome programmes, religious rituals, and cultural performances.
BJP Leaders Hail the Visit
Bihar BJP chief Sanjay Saraogi called the occasion a proud moment for the country and followers of Sanatan culture, praising the Prime Minister's efforts to preserve and promote India's cultural and spiritual heritage.
Point of View
And the 75th anniversary offers a high-visibility platform to reinforce that narrative ahead of a charged political calendar. What is notable is the sharpness of the Congress attack: framing the opposition as hostile to Sanatan culture is a consolidation strategy, not an incidental remark. Whether that framing resonates beyond the BJP's core base — or whether it risks alienating voters who distinguish between faith and political mobilisation — is the more consequential question mainstream coverage tends to skip.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav?
The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav is a celebration marking 75 years since the reconstruction and inauguration of the historic Somnath Temple in Gujarat after Indian Independence. The event features religious ceremonies, cultural performances, and participation from thousands of devotees and dignitaries across India.
What did PM Modi do at the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav?
PM Modi participated in the Vishesh Maha Puja, Kumbhabhishek, and Dhvajarohan ceremonies at the Somnath Temple. He also released a commemorative stamp and a commemorative coin marking the 75th anniversary of the restored shrine.
Why did BJP leaders criticise Congress at the Somnath event?
BJP leaders, including Bihar BJP chief Sanjay Saraogi, alleged that previous Congress-led governments destroyed Sanatan culture through what they described as appeasement of a specific community. They contrasted this with PM Modi's efforts to preserve and promote India's cultural and spiritual heritage.
What did Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav say about the visit?
Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said the Somnath Temple is a historic site and that PM Modi would pray for the happiness and prosperity of India's 140 crore people and for the country's development.
What is the historical significance of the Somnath Temple reconstruction?
The Somnath Temple was reconstructed and inaugurated after Indian Independence, with the restoration widely regarded as a symbol of cultural and civilisational revival. The 75th anniversary of that inauguration is the occasion being commemorated at the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav.
