Chief Minister flagged off the special train to inaugurate the Somnath Swabhiman Cultural Yatra
More than 1000 dignitaries, Padma Shri, artists and litterateurs left for Somnath Jyotirlinga from Chhattisgarh
Devotees will offer soil from Shiva temples and water from holy rivers to Lord Somnath

Raipur June 22, 2026

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai today inaugurated the Somnath Swabhiman Cultural Yatra by flagging off a special train to Somnath Jyotirlinga from the Raipur railway station. On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Somnath Temple is a major center of our national self-respect, cultural pride, and faith. The Somnath Temple was destroyed numerous times by invaders, but each time the temple was rebuilt, a result of the unwavering faith of the countrymen.

Under the Somnath Swabhiman Cultural Yatra, more than 1000 dignitaries, artists and litterateurs honored with Padmashree, state and national awards left for Somnath from Chhattisgarh by a special train. Devotees participating in the Yatra will offer earthen pots from the sacred land of Shiva temples of Chhattisgarh and water pots from holy rivers to Baba Somnath. Chief Minister Shri Sai prayed to Lord Somnath for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of Chhattisgarh.

Addressing the event, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that today is a very proud day for Chhattisgarh, as more than 1,000 devotees from across the state are leaving for the darshan of Lord Somnath. Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being celebrated as a national commemoration across the country from January 11, 2026, to January 11, 2027. The Somnath Swabhiman Yatra is being organized as part of this festival.

The Chief Minister said that today we reverently remember the Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who pledged to rebuild the Somnath Temple after India's independence as a symbol of national unity and cultural renaissance. 75 years ago, the country's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, inaugurated the renovated Somnath Temple.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of pride for us that artists and litterateurs from Chhattisgarh, honored with Padma Shri, state and national awards, are embarking on this journey, carrying with them sacred soil from Shiva temples of religious, historical, and archaeological significance in their respective regions, and water pots from holy rivers. This journey is a living example of India's cultural unity.
On this occasion, Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal said that this journey to Somnath Dham will not only provide devotees with a spiritual experience but also an opportunity to experience India's great cultural tradition and national pride up close. We pray to Lord Somnath to lead our state, Chhattisgarh, and India, on the path of prosperity, peace, and development.
Chief Minister Shri Sai met the devotees going on the Somnath Swabhiman Cultural Yatra and presented them with robes, wishing them a safe journey.
On this occasion, Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, MLA Shri Dharamlal Kaushik, Shri Anuj Sharma, Shri Indrakumar Sahu, Shri Doman Lal Korsevada, Shri Sampat Agarwal, Film Development Corporation Chairperson Ms. Mona Sen along with public representatives and senior officials were present.