Lucknow: A grand community feast was organised near Lekhraj Metro Station in Indira Nagar, Lucknow, to celebrate the successful completion of the Somnath Swabhiman Yatra initiated by the Uttar Pradesh government. The event was hosted by the Ishwariya Swapnashish Seva Samiti under the leadership of Sanatan flag-bearer Sapna Goyal.
Held at the Shivshakti Shanidev Temple, the programme witnessed the participation of several women devotees who had been part of the pilgrimage. The attendees described the journey as spiritually uplifting and well-organised, recalling how devotional songs, bhajans, and chants added to the divine atmosphere throughout the yatra.
Speaking on the occasion, Sapna Goyal said that such visionary initiatives by the government would help create greater awareness and pride among followers of Sanatan culture, while also sending a wider cultural message at the global level.
She noted that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had flagged off the “Somnath Swabhiman Yatra Uttar Pradesh” from Gomti Nagar Railway Station in Lucknow on April 19, 2026. The pilgrimage was organised jointly by the Uttar Pradesh Culture Department and the Union Ministry of Culture as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations.
According to organisers, the primary objective of the yatra was not only to facilitate darshan at the Somnath temple but also to promote awareness of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage among the public.
The arrangements for devotees, including travel, accommodation, food, worship, and sightseeing, were managed under the guidance of Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh and senior officials of the Culture Department. Participants appreciated the smooth execution of the pilgrimage and acknowledged the efforts of nodal officer Dr. Rajesh Ahirwar, who accompanied the devotees throughout the journey and coordinated various facilities.
During the event, Sapna Goyal also highlighted the broader social and spiritual initiatives being carried out by the Ishwariya Swapnashish Seva Samiti. She said the organisation regularly conducts Sundarkand recitations, community worship programmes, and charitable activities aimed at promoting cultural values and social harmony.
She recalled that in June 2024, the committee had organised a large-scale collective Sundarkand Mahayagya at Naimisharanya, where nearly 5,000 women participated. Similar devotional programmes have since been conducted across more than 25 districts of Uttar Pradesh and at several prominent pilgrimage sites including Kashi Vishwanath, Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Kanpur.
The programme concluded with prayers, devotional activities, and distribution of food among devotees and local residents.
