Itanagar, May 11: The Somnath Swabhiman Parv was celebrated with religious fervour, cultural vibrancy, and patriotic spirit across several districts of Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday and Monday, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the reconstruction of the historic Somnath Temple and reaffirming India’s rich civilisational heritage.
At Kardo in Ziro, Lower Subansiri district, the event was organised by the District Administration in collaboration with the Department of Art & Culture under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The programme held at the Shri Siddheshwar Nath Shiva Lingam site was attended by state’s Cultural Affairs Minister Dasanglu Pul and Chief Information Commissioner Jarken Gamlin, along with Zilla Parishad Chairperson Hibu Dumi.
The programme featured Ganesh Shlok, Saraswati Vandana, and Shiv Bandish performances by Milli Lowang, followed by a discourse by Swami Advaitanand from the Art of Living Foundation. Adding vibrancy to the celebration, Amit Mukherjee of the Nrityangan Dance & Music Academy performed an energetic Shiv Tandav Nritya, captivating the audience.
A live telecast of the Prime Minister’s address from Somnath, Gujarat formed a major highlight of the celebration. Addressing the gathering, Minister Dasanglu Pul stressed the importance of preserving indigenous cultural identity while remaining connected to the broader national heritage.
Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme also spoke on the occasion.
In Tezu, the Lohit district administration organised a grand celebration at Shiv Mandir. The programme began with a Kalash Yatra, Vedic chanting, bhajans, and ceremonial milk offerings to Lord Shiva. Bazaar secretary Picaso Chai, attending the event highlighted the ideals of self-reliance and preservation of cultural heritage associated with the Somnath Swabhiman Parv.
SDO Sotailum Bellai spoke on the historical significance of the Somnath Temple, while DACO Bitchey Rijiju noted that the occasion marked 1,000 years since the first major invasion of the temple and 75 years since its reconstruction after Independence. Mythological stories associated with Somnath Temple were narrated by Pandit Bhagwan Dev.
At Pasighat, the Department of Art & Culture of East Siang district, in collaboration with the Dangoria Baba Mandir Committee, organised the celebration at Dangoria Baba Shiv Mandir. More than 100 devotees and Shaivites participated in a Kalash Yatra carrying holy water from the Siang River to the temple premises.
The event witnessed participation from devotees across East Siang, neighbouring districts, and parts of Assam, reflecting communal harmony and devotion. A live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from Somnath Temple was viewed by the gathering with great interest.
Tagom Padung, Chief Councillor of PMC, attended the programme, along with district officials, members of the organising committee, and religious leaders. The programme concluded with prayers for communal harmony, prosperity, and the well-being of citizens.
Meanwhile, in Singchung of West Kameng district, the 75th anniversary of Somnath Temple was celebrated at Nag Mandir with active participation from the District Administration, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) 91 RCC, the Nag Mandir Bazar Committee, and local devotees.
Traditional rituals and collective prayers were conducted by priests, followed by the national anthem and a group photo session involving officials, BRO personnel, and community members. Representatives from the Nag Mandir Bazar Committee and BRO highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage through community cooperation and civil-military collaboration.
Officials of the District Administration described the programme as an example of strong administration-community partnership that promotes social cohesion and cultural unity in the border district.
Across Arunachal Pradesh, the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations reflected a collective spirit of devotion, national unity, and pride in India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.