Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], January 13 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the attack on the Somnath temple was considered an assault on the nation's self-respect and religious faith, and asserted that despite being destroyed multiple times, the temple stands as a message to the world that it is not easy to hurt Sanatan Dharma. He further announced that the entire year will be celebrated as Somnath Swabhiman Parv.

While attending the inauguration and foundation stone laying of various development works of Mansa municipality, Shah said that attacks on the Somnath temple were historically seen as assaults on the nation's self-respect and religious faith, but those attempts failed to weaken Sanatan Dharma.

'Somnath Swabhiman Parv is very important for us. The attack on Somnath was considered an attack on self-respect and religion, and self-respect was defended. Even after being destroyed 16 times, the magnificent Somnath stands firm,' Shah said.

He added that the temple's enduring presence sends a powerful message to the world. 'It sends a message to the whole world that it is not easy to hurt Sanatan Dharma and the faith of the people of India,' the Union Home Minister said, announcing that the entire year would be celebrated as Somnath Swabhiman Parv.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat State Government has decided to extend the celebrations of 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' until January 15 at Somnath, in light of public sentiments and demands. In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the grand celebrations of 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' were held at Somnath from January 8 to 11.

In his address on Sunday as well, the Prime Minister expressed the view that, given the faith, devotion, and unwavering belief of the people in Lord Bholenath, the festival should enable as many people as possible to benefit from it, according to the release.

Providing details in this regard, Spokesperson and Agriculture Minister Jitubhai Vaghani stated that, under the inspiring presence of the Prime Minister, 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' is being celebrated in a historic manner at Somnath.

As part of this festival, more than one lakh people participated in the 'Shaurya Yatra' organised in the inspiring presence of the Prime Minister, and people became immersed in devotion to Lord Shiva.

Just as programmes were organised from January 8 to 11, in the same sequence, this 1,000-year celebration of unwavering faith will continue till January 15, with devotees participating from across the country.

Under the leadership of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the festival has been successfully conducted due to the concerted efforts of members of the State Cabinet and the entire administrative machinery.

As part of this festival, in the presence of the Prime Minister, the 72-hour Akhand Omkar chanting, a mega drone show with 3,000 drones, the Shaurya Yatra with 108 horses, and various artistic creations by artists who arrived at Somnath from different states became major centres of attraction.

In a devotional atmosphere, devotees will get to enjoy a series of various traditional cultural programs.

According to a release, to ensure that the maximum number of people across the country can experience this religious occasion that reinstates the heritage and legacy of Indian culture, the State Government has decided to extend this festival till January 15.

'Shaurya Yatra' at Somnath is a part of a few days' national commemoration marking 1,000 years of unbroken faith and resilience since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. The 'Shaurya Yatra' is a symbolic procession organised as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. It represents courage, sacrifice and the indomitable spirit that preserved Somnath through centuries of adversity. (ANI)