Varanasi: Governor Anandiben Patel and chief minister Yogi Adityanath will reach Kashi on Monday to attend Somnath Swabhiman Parv events. One event is scheduled in Kashi Vishwanath Dham and another at Swatantrata Bhawan of Banaras Hindu University.In association with Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple trust and Union ministry of culture, UP culture department and district administration will jointly host a spiritual and cultural session as part of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, said in-charge regional cultural officer Ram Naresh Pal.Governor Anandiben Patel, CM Yogi, UP ministers, other public representatives and officials from culture, religious affairs department, district administration and temple will take part in the event commencing at 9 am. Pal said several events including chanting of Om Mantra, Shiv Tandav, Shiv-Shakti dance drama, devotional recital and instrumental performances will be organised.The year-long Somnath Swabhiman Parv 2026 started in Jan to mark 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni first attacked the Somnath Temple in 1026. The event celebrates resilience, faith and civilisational continuity of India. The year 2026 also coincides with 75 years since the present Somnath Temple was reopened to devotees on May 11, 1951, following Independence. These two milestones together form the foundation of the celebration.Through cultural, spiritual, and educational engagements, Somnath Swabhiman Parv reconnects contemporary society with the deeper rhythms of its heritage and reminds each generation that Somnath endures not only through stone and spire, but through conscious transmission of values, stories, and responsibility.
