Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the historic Somnath temple in Gujarat on Friday evening, where he was greeted by a breathtaking mega drone show and fireworks as part of the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' celebrations. The event marks a thousand years since the first attack on the revered temple in 1026.
A Celestial Spectacle in the Night Sky
The Prime Minister, on a two-day visit to the temple town, witnessed what officials described as one of the largest drone shows ever held near a temple complex in India. The aerial display, orchestrated by 3,000 synchronised drones, lit up the night sky for approximately 15 minutes, creating massive thematic formations.
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi expressed his sentiments, stating, "Feeling blessed to be in Somnath, a proud symbol of our civilisational courage." He added that the visit coincided with the nationwide observance of the Swabhiman Parv and thanked the people for their warm welcome, later posting, "Jai Somnath! Today's welcome was very special."
Blending Technology with Spirituality and History
The drone show was a profound technological tribute to the temple's legacy. Key formations included:
- A majestic depiction of Lord Shiva that spanned vertically for about 280 metres.
- A massive Shivaling formation extending roughly 330 metres.
- An impressive 3D model of the Somnath temple itself, with a floating width of nearly 370 metres.
The show was executed by BotLab Dynamics, a technology company incubated at IIT Delhi, which has previously managed drone displays for major national events like the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya. A BotLab team member described the show as a "thematic aerial narrative" designed to weave together spirituality, history, and national identity.
The narrative sequence aimed to trace Somnath's journey through the ages, from cosmic beginnings to modern times. Other planned formations highlighted core Shaivite symbols and themes of eternity, including the Damru, Om, Trishul, and a depiction of Shiv Tandav.
Commemorating Resilience and Civilisational Continuity
The Swabhiman Parv is a commemoration of the temple's resilience. The main road leading to Somnath was adorned with hoardings and banners for the occasion. Notably, several large banners carried the inscription 'Akhand Somnath, Akhand Bharat', a sentiment echoed in a planned drone formation displaying the same text, symbolising unbroken civilisational continuity.
The road also features a statue of Veer Hamirji Gohil, a 16th-century Rajput warrior celebrated for his sacrifice in defending the temple, further anchoring the event in a long history of devotion and protection.
This grand technological and cultural spectacle, witnessed by the Prime Minister, served as a powerful modern homage to Somnath's enduring significance in India's historical and spiritual landscape.
