MP Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will flag off the first batch of the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Yatra’ on Thursday, 7 May, from Platform No. 1 of Rani Kamalapati Railway Station.
Organised by the Culture Department, this prestigious journey is being undertaken as part of the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’. The Somnath Swabhiman Parv–2026 (8 to 11 January 2026), symbolising India’s cultural consciousness, faith and national pride, was inaugurated from the historic Somnath Temple.
For the first time, a special pilgrimage train carrying 1,100 devotees from various regions of Madhya Pradesh will depart for Somnath. The train will also pick up pilgrims from Bhopal and Ujjain railway stations before proceeding towards Somnath. During the journey, devotees will participate in various cultural programmes, darshan and spiritual rituals organised at the sacred pilgrimage site of Somnath.
Director, Culture, N.P. Namdev stated that the objective of the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ is to commemorate India’s cultural resurgence, centuries of struggle and enduring faith through participation from states across the country. The festival is being celebrated as a tribute to the nation’s glorious heritage.
Namdev said that the festival is not merely an event but a grand confluence symbolising the resurgence of India’s cultural consciousness and national identity. Inspiration for this sacred festival has been drawn from the Somnath Temple, a symbol of national pride and steadfast devotion, so that future generations may take pride in their heritage.
The yatra, being organised under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, will further strengthen the spirit of cultural unity and national pride in the state. This unique confluence of devotion and faith will conclude on 11 May, 2026, when the pilgrims return with the blessings of Somnath Mahadev and cherished memories of cultural pride.
