The “Somnath Swabhiman Parv" was celebrated on Monday across the district to commemorate 1,000 years since the first attack by Mahmud Ghazni on the Somnath temple and 75 years since the temple’s reconstruction in 1951. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led celebrations from Somnath temple.
Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan attended the district-level function organised at Sanatan Dharam Mandir in the city.
While addressing the gathering, Kalyan said India’s culture, economy and pride suffered severe damage during nearly a thousand years of foreign rule, but under the leadership of PM Modi, the country is now reconnecting with its roots and touching new heights with self-respect and confidence.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by performances of Shiv Tandav and devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva by artistes of the district information, public relations and languages department.
Accompanied by Indri MLA Ram Kumar Kashyap, Assandh MLA Yogender Rana, Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, former industry minister Shashipal Mehta, Kalyan said the celebration was a matter of pride for everyone as it symbolised the nation’s self-respect.
He said invaders during the Mughal and British eras inflicted deep wounds on India’s culture, economy and heritage and even destroyed valuable centres of knowledge.
“Today, under the leadership of PM Modi, India is once again moving towards its roots and progressing with pride and confidence. This is a matter of great honour for all of us,” he added.
He said the country was grateful to the PM for his dedicated efforts in placing the nation on a path towards becoming a developed country by 2047.
Recalling a 25-year-old visit to Gujarat, Kalyan shared a story about a 90-year-old woman outside the Somnath temple who had expressed faith in Modi, saying he was the person capable of protecting temples and the country’s heritage.
Referring to the repeated destruction of the Somnath temple and Shivling by invaders, Kalyan said modern India was now moving ahead with renewed confidence.
He stressed the need to connect children with spirituality, culture and Indian traditions so they could carry India’s legacy across the world. He also said initiatives such as the CM’s pilgrimage scheme and state-level celebrations of great personalities’ birth anniversaries had strengthened cultural values in Haryana.
During the event, PM Modi’s live address was also telecast. Harvinder Kalyan honoured saints and religious leaders by presenting them with shawls.
A special exhibition on the history of the Somnath temple was also organised. On the occasion, Kalash Yatras were taken out from four major temples of the city, including Shri Mahabir Dal Mandir, Prachin Shiv Mandir, Shri Shiv Mandir and Shri Durga Mandir.
The processions culminated at Sanatan Dharam Mandir, where Harvinder Kalyan performed jalabhishek on the holy Shivling and prayed for peace and prosperity in the state.
