In the holy city of Somnath, the ‘Vande Somnath’ cultural festival is currently underway, honouring the rich heritage of Indian arts and spirituality. This event, guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to revive the ancient traditions associated with the Somnath temple, attracting millions of devotees and artists from across the country.
The festival began in the month of Shravan, a time when many devotees visit Somnath for prayers and rituals. Throughout this month, various forms of Indian dance and music will be showcased, bringing together devotion and artistic expression. Every Monday during Shravan, special events are held on three stages set up by the Somnath Trust, featuring performances by talented artists.
The initiative is supported by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and the Gujarat Tourism Department. Their collective aim is to not only revive the spiritual essence of Somnath but also to reinforce its cultural significance in India’s heritage.
The first phase of the festival highlighted stunning performances in Bharatnatyam by Pavitra Bhatt and her team. This was followed by captivating Kathak performances by Kadam Parikh and his group, alongside traditional Odissi dances presented by Namrata Mehta and Siddhi Vaiker. The audience was left mesmerised by the artistic displays.
In the second phase, the festival expanded to two divine locations: the Somnath temple’s Chowpatty Ground and the Sea View Walkway. Here, the renowned Nadrup Vande group presented a Kathak performance. Additionally, Bharatnatyam was performed by Shri Raman Shrikant’s ECPA Foundation from Vadodara, along with traditional Gujarati dances like Hudko and Rahdo performed by Sonal Shah and her students. The audience was treated to a rich tapestry of cultural expressions.
The third phase saw simultaneous performances at three picturesque venues near the temple. Anjali Memorial Committee showcased Bharatnatyam, while the Anandlahari School of Performing Arts from Mumbai performed a Shiva worship dance. Performances by the Dhruva Institute of Dance Foundation from Kolkata and the Ishavasya Gurukulam from Pune added to the festival’s allure.
Looking forward, the fourth phase is scheduled for August 4, 2025, featuring Odissi and Bharatnatyam performances. The fifth phase will take place on August 11, where artists from Delhi, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad will pay homage to Lord Somnath through various traditional dances. Finally, the sixth phase on August 18 promises to be grand, with unique performances, including Mohiniyattam from a team based in Delhi.
The ‘Vande Somnath’ festival is not just a celebration of art; it is a revival of cultural divinity and artistic heritage at the Somnath temple. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Somnath has transformed into a center of not only religious faith but also cultural pride, where devotion and heritage flourish together. This year’s festival is a heartfelt reminder of the artistic golden age of Somnath, reminiscent of the legendary performances that took place centuries ago.