Agartala, May 11:The echoes of devotional chants and traditional drumbeats filled the air at the historic Shiv Bari Temple in Agartala on Monday as hundreds of devotees gathered to celebrate the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a nationwide spiritual and cultural movement commemorating 75 years of the reconstruction of the sacred Somnath Temple.
The programme witnessed an emotional blend of faith, tradition and cultural pride as women clad in vibrant traditional attire carried sacred water in pitchers from the Lakshmi Narayan temple pond in a colourful religious procession that moved through the streets of the capital city and reached temple premises amid devotional fervour.
Joining the celebrations, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who also participated in the celebration and described the Somnath Temple as a timeless symbol of India’s civilisational resilience and spiritual identity.
“This temple is more than one thousand years old. Later, in 1951, it was reconstructed by the Government of India. Our respected leaders took the initiative to rebuild the Somnath Temple in a proper and grand manner,” the Chief Minister told reporters.
Recalling the temple’s historical and emotional significance, Dr Saha said the year-long observance from 2026 to 2027 aims to reconnect younger generations with India’s ancient traditions, cultural roots and spiritual values.
“Programmes are being organised across the country so that the next generation can learn about the Somnath Temple, our traditions, our roots, and our cultural values. We should never forget our heritage and our roots,” he said.
The Chief Minister also praised the efforts being undertaken across the country to revive ancient temples and restore historical sites that had suffered destruction over centuries. Referring to the broader cultural revival underway in India, he said many sacred places are now being rebuilt “with dignity and pride”.
Dr Saha said the Somnath Swabhiman Parv is not merely a religious observance but a movement aimed at strengthening national unity through shared civilisational consciousness.
“Along with modernization, we must properly understand our ancient traditions and history in a broader and deeper way. These traditions and values should be preserved and taken to the people,” he added.
Saha further informed that after the state-level observances, similar programmes would be organised in every district and subdivision of Tripura with the participation of MLAs, Ministers and public representatives.
The four-day Somnath Swabhiman Parv, also known as Somnath Amrit Parv, is being celebrated across India from May 8 to 11 to mark 75 years since the re-consecration of the Somnath Temple in 1951. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the landmark anniversary celebrations at Prabhas Patan in Gujarat, underscoring the temple’s enduring place as a symbol of India’s spiritual continuity and cultural resurgence.
At Agartala’s Shiv Bari Temple, the atmosphere remained deeply emotional as devotees offered prayers, sang bhajans and joined the celebrations carrying a message that beyond politics and generations, India’s ancient spiritual heritage continues to live in the hearts of its people.
