Nagpur: The sacred chants of “Om Namah Shivaya,” the fragrance of devotion, beautifully crafted rangolis and spiritually uplifting decorations transformed the historic Kalyaneshwar Temple in Mahal into a centre of divine energy and cultural pride on Monday morning as devotees gathered in large numbers to celebrate the grand religious and cultural event, ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv, Atut Aastha Ki Gaurav Gatha’.
Organised by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Culture and the Directorate of Cultural Affairs of the Maharashtra Government, the programme became a magnificent confluence of faith, spirituality and Sanatan culture. The atmosphere resonated with devotion as women devotees performed the sacred Rudrabhishek of Lord Shiva amid Vedic hymns and chants of mantras, invoking divine blessings and spiritual awakening.
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May 11- 2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
The auspicious event commenced in the gracious presence of Mayor Neeta Thakre, MLA Pravin Datke, Deputy Mayor Leela Hatibed, Standing Committee Chairperson Shivani Dani Wakhare, Leader of the House Narendra Borkar and former Mayor Dayashankar Tiwari, along with several public representatives, corporators and senior civic officials.
A grand Mahapuja was offered at the ancient Kalyaneshwar Temple, which has long remained a revered centre of devotion for the people of Nagpur. The temple premises echoed with soulful bhajans, continuous chanting of 11,000 “Om Namah Shivaya” mantras and sacred Rudrabhishek rituals performed with deep reverence. Significantly, women led the priestly rituals, symbolising the spiritual strength and guiding role of Matrushakti in preserving Sanatan traditions.
The gathering also witnessed the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inaugural programme from the revered Somnath Temple in Gujarat, further deepening the spiritual connection of devotees with one of India’s holiest Jyotirlingas.
Addressing the devotees, Mayor Neeta Thakre said the Somnath Temple occupies an unparalleled place in India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. She remarked that the repeated attacks on the temple by foreign invaders symbolised attempts to weaken India’s religious identity, while its reconstruction after Independence under the leadership of India’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel became a timeless symbol of national pride and civilisational resurgence.
Marking 75 years of the temple’s restoration, she expressed happiness that this sacred celebration was being organised at Mahal’s ancient Kalyaneshwar Temple, a place deeply associated with devotion and faith among Nagpur residents. Emphasising the importance of Sanatan values in India’s journey towards becoming a “Vishwaguru,” she praised women for naturally possessing the ability to guide society in the right direction, which was beautifully reflected through their participation in the priestly rituals.
Former Mayor Dayashankar Tiwari, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted that Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being celebrated across the country to honour the glorious legacy of Somnath Temple and India’s spiritual heritage. He informed that the Maharashtra Government has sanctioned Rs 90 crore for the development of Kalyaneshwar Temple, which would help restore the ancient temple’s grandeur and spiritual prominence.
He also elaborated on the rich history and historical significance of Somnath Temple, stating that such programmes are essential to keep India’s glorious past alive and to inspire the younger generation with the nation’s civilisational legacy and cultural consciousness.
The devotional ambience of the programme was further elevated through soulful bhajan performances by Shri Guru Bhajan Mandal, Utsahi Bhajan Mandal, Rukmini Bhajan Mandal, Adishakti Bhajan Mandal, Mauli Bhajan Mandal and Vitthal Rukhmini Bhajan Mandal, leaving devotees immersed in spiritual bliss throughout the celebration.
