Bhubaneswar, June 15:Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday flagged off a special pilgrim train from Bhubaneswar Railway Station, marking the commencement of the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Yatra–2026’. The initiative saw more than 1,000 devotees from Odisha beginning their journey to the Somnath Jyotirlinga temple in Gujarat.
The pilgrimage is being organised under a national mass pilgrimage framework, with similar special trains also launched from other states as part of a coordinated cultural initiative.
According to officials, the cross-country yatra is part of a broader Central government programme aimed at promoting heritage tourism and cultural awareness. In addition to the temple visit, the itinerary includes several curated spiritual and historical activities designed to offer pilgrims a deeper cultural experience.
The yatra has been organised to commemorate 1,000 years of unwavering faith and devotion associated with the Somnath temple.
During the visit, the devotees are expected to take part in various religious and cultural programmes such as bhajan sandhyas, Rudrabhishek rituals, Maha Aarti, and a light and sound show.
Officials stated that the initiative aims to reconnect people, especially the youth, with India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage through structured educational and devotional experiences.
