Delhi Chief Minister 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 temple premises resonated with devotional chants, Shiva bhajans and Shiv Tandav performances, as devotees gathered in large numbers for the event celebrating Sanatan heritage and cultural pride. The Chief Minister also watched Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s live address from Somnath in Gujarat and virtually joined the national celebrations.
Delhi Cabinet Ministers Parvesh Verma, Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Kapil Mishra, along with several devotees and dignitaries, were present at the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Rekha Gupta said the Somnath Temple symbolised India’s spiritual strength and national self-respect. “Despite repeated invasions and destruction, the faith associated with Somnath never bowed. The temple today stands as a symbol of India’s soul, culture and spiritual consciousness,” she said.
The Chief Minister said the country was progressing under the vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”, where development and preservation of cultural heritage go hand in hand. “India is setting new benchmarks in infrastructure and technology while also preserving its spiritual and cultural traditions,” she added.
Gupta later performed Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva and prayed for peace, prosperity and progress in the country.
Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra said the programme reflected the enduring strength of Sanatan Dharma. “Many invaders tried to destroy centres of faith, but Sanatan traditions continue to stand proudly in all their glory,” he said.
