Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on July 20, 2026 flagged off a special train carrying 1,150 pilgrims from Patliputra Junction as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By A Correspondent
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday flagged off a special train carrying 1,150 pilgrims from Patliputra Junction as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv . Before the train departed, the Chief Minister met the pilgrims on board, enquired about the facilities provided for their journey, and wished them a safe and pleasant pilgrimage.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of a lamp, the beating of the damru and the blowing of conch shells. On behalf of the people of Bihar, the Chief Minister presented a ceremonial kalash (sacred urn) to pilgrim Shobha Singh and a flag to Ajit Kumar. The event was held in keeping with the spirit of Somnath Swabhiman Parv—described as An Unbroken Saga of Faith and Pride—and reflected devotion, cultural awareness and national pride.
Welcoming the pilgrims, Samrat Choudhary said that 1,150 devotees from across Bihar were taking part in the sacred journey. He said the flag and the kalash accompanying the pilgrimage symbolised Bihar’s faith, self-respect and cultural heritage. The pilgrimage will pass through several states, and arrangements have been made to ensure the comfort and convenience of the travellers. He urged the pilgrims to spread Bihar’s message of faith and self-respect throughout the journey.
The Chief Minister said that, with the blessings of Lord Somnath, Gujarat and the country had continued to progress and achieve new milestones. He expressed confidence that Lord Somnath’s blessings would also help Bihar attain new heights of development, prosperity and cultural revival. He also appealed to the pilgrims to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple during the trip and pray for Bihar’s peace, prosperity and all-round development.
Referring to history, Choudhary said the Somnath Temple had been plundered around a thousand years ago, while Nalanda University was also destroyed by invaders. He said that the temple was restored 75 years ago, with Bihar’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, playing a significant role in its reconstruction. He said Bihar’s history was a matter of great pride and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to restoring its glorious heritage. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had played key roles in the revival of Nalanda University. The pilgrimage, he said, was not merely a religious journey but also a means of promoting Bihar’s Sanatan traditions, cultural heritage and spiritual legacy across the country.
During the event, Art and Culture Department Secretary Pranav Kumar welcomed the Chief Minister by presenting him with a ceremonial shawl and a memento.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Art and Culture Minister Dr Pramod Kumar, and BJP’s Bihar State President and MLA Sanjay Saraogi also addressed the gathering.
Cooperation Minister Ramkripal Yadav, MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia, other public representatives, Chief Minister’s Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh, Art and Culture Department Secretary Pranav Kumar, senior government officials, and the pilgrims were also present on the occasion.
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