New Delhi, Apr 30 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat flagged off a train of devotees, who are heading to Gujarat’s Somnath temple under the “Somnath Swabhiman Parv”, from Safdarjung railway station on Thursday.
Shekhawat said similar Somnath Yatras are being organised in other states as well to commemorate the undiminished faith of people during an attack on the shrine by Mahmud of Ghazni 1,000 years ago.
“The Yatra aims to showcase India’s cultural heritage and national pride through the timeless legacy of the Somnath Temple,” the union minister added.
Gupta said the train carries around 1,400 devotees from Delhi to the Somnath temple. She said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured that the country’s heritage is conserved and people are connected to their cultural roots.
Under the three-day Somnath Yatra, devotees will visit the Somnath Temple as well as other prominent religious sites.
“The Delhi government is bearing the entire cost of rail travel and meals, while the Gujarat government will arrange accommodation, local transport and temple visits. Close coordination between the two governments is expected to ensure a safe, seamless and well-managed experience,” Gupta said.
She said the Yatra reflects India’s rich cultural heritage, deep-rooted faith and civilisational pride.
“It is not merely a religious event, but a celebration of the country’s thousands-of-years-old cultural consciousness and enduring faith,” the chief minister added.
Referring to landmark initiatives such as the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakal Lok and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Gupta said these transformative efforts have given Indian culture a renewed identity and fresh energy.
She reiterated that the Delhi government remains committed to strengthening citizens’ religious faith and cultural identity and will continue such initiatives in the future.
Delhi tourism minister Kapil Mishra said that under the Chief Minister’s leadership, the Delhi government remains dedicated to serving senior citizens and all devotees. PTI VIT SSM SSM HIG HIG
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