Recently, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated that pilgrimage trips serve as a strong medium for enhancing social harmony and preserving India’s rich cultural traditions. With that, he also flagged off a special train from Kurukshetra to Somnath. Want to know more about it? Read on.
Haryana Flags Off Kurukshetra-Somnath Special Train
As per a report by the Hindustan Times, the special train from Kurukshetra to Somnath is carrying more than 1,100 devotees. Talking about the train journey and the scheme taking senior citizens to the pilgrimage site, the CM also stated that the opportunity was being provided to them to undertake a comfortable journey to Somnath.
He also stated that, keeping in view the importance of pilgrimage centres, exceptional efforts are being undertaken for the preservation and development of India’s religious and cultural heritage. Many sacred sites have been restored and rejuvenated in the past few years.
Also Read: At ₹38,500, THIS 14-Day Summer Tourist Train Takes You To THESE Destinations; Deets Inside!
More Initiatives To Boost India’s Cultural Heritage
The Chief Minister further said that with the help of the development of pilgrimage destinations across India, the Char Dham Project, the PRASAD Scheme and other initiatives are aimed at preserving India’s cultural heritage, and the nation is reconnecting with its cultural roots. The train started on June 8 and will pass through key stops like Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Delhi, Gurgaon and other Haryana districts like Yamunanagar, Ambala, Kaithal, Fatehabad, and Sirsa. The pilgrimage trip is for approximately 5 days, with the Haryana government covering all the travel, meals and accommodations of the devotees travelling to Somnath.
The CM also referred to the Government of India’s initiative and said that under the ‘Somanth Swabhimaan Parv’, a year-long national celebration will go till January 11, 2027. Emphasising the religious importance of the initiative, the Chief Minister said that the special train serves as a symbolic link between Kurukshetra, the place where Lord Krishna gave the message of the Bhagavad Gita, and Nanded, Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, the holy site where Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji attained ‘Joti Jot’.
Also Read: This Summer, Indians Can Get 100% Off On Eco Tickets To Vietnam With Vietjet; All Deets Here!
What are your thoughts about this initiative? Let us know.
First Published: June 09, 2026 4:08 PM
FAQs
How far is Kurukshetra from Somnath?
The distance between Kurukshetra (Haryana) and Somnath (Gujarat) is approximately 1,350 km to 1,390 km depending on the exact route.
Where is the real Somnath Jyotirlinga?
The real Somnath Jyotirlinga is located in Prabhas Patan, near Veraval in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India.
Who built the Somnath temple originally?
According to Hindu mythology, the original Somnath Temple was built by Chandra Dev (the Moon God) out of gold to honor Lord Shiva.