Ahmedabad, Jan 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday embarked on a three-day visit to Gujarat, where he will attend a series of cultural, developmental and diplomatic engagements. His itinerary includes participation in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, inaugurations in Rajkot and Ahmedabad, and bilateral talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The four-day Somnath Swabhiman Parv, which began on Thursday in Veraval, Gir Somnath district, commemorates one thousand years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026 AD by Mahmud of Ghazni. The celebrations also coincide with the 75th anniversary of the temple’s restoration in 1951.

PM Modi will reach Somnath this evening to participate in Omkar Mantra chanting and witness a drone show at the temple. On Sunday, he will join the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession honouring warriors who defended the temple over centuries, and attend a public function marking the Parv. In a social media post, the Prime Minister described the temple as a symbol of resilience, faith and national pride, rebuilt repeatedly despite repeated assaults.

The restoration of the temple after independence was initiated by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, with its formal inauguration in 1951 by President Rajendra Prasad marking a milestone in India’s cultural revival.

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Later on Sunday, PM Modi will travel to Rajkot to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra Region at Marwadi University. He will also open the trade show and exhibition associated with the conference.

From Rajkot, the Prime Minister will proceed to Ahmedabad to inaugurate the remaining stretch of Phase 2 of the Ahmedabad Metro, connecting Sector 10A to Mahatma Mandir, a significant addition to the city’s urban transport infrastructure.

On Monday, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad. The two leaders are scheduled to visit the Sabarmati Ashram and participate in the International Kite Festival, underscoring cultural diplomacy alongside formal discussions.