Mega Drone Show Highlights Somnath Temple and Lord Shiva During PM Modi's Visit

A stunning drone show illuminated the night sky with depictions of the Somnath temple and Lord Shiva, witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, marking a historic milestone.

A spectacular drone show illuminated the night sky near the ancient Somnath temple on Saturday. The event, part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, featured thematic formations like images of Lord Shiva and a shivling. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was visiting the temple town for two days, attended the show, officials confirmed.

The Swabhiman Parv commemorates 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion of the Somnath temple. Despite numerous attempts to destroy it, the temple stands as a symbol of resilience and national pride. The Prime Minister's Office stated that collective efforts have restored it to its former glory.

Drone Show Highlights

The drone show was described as one of the largest near a temple site in India. It paid tribute to historical figures like Vallabhbhai Patel and Veer Hamirji Gohil. Gohil was a 16th-century Rajput warrior known for defending the temple against invaders. The show also depicted Prime Minister Modi in separate formations.

BotLab, a tech company incubated at IIT Delhi, executed the show. They previously organised drone displays for significant events, such as Ayodhya's Ram temple ceremony in January 2024. A BotLab team member described it as a "thematic aerial narrative" blending spirituality, history, and national identity.

Historical Significance

The show included a depiction of the destruction faced by the Somnath temple over the past century. After India's independence, Vallabhbhai Patel led restoration efforts. A key milestone was reached in 1951 when President Rajendra Prasad formally opened the restored temple to devotees.

One formation illustrated Shiv Tandav, symbolising divine energy and balance. Another displayed 'Akhand Somnath, Akhand Bharat', representing civilisational continuity. These formations aligned with specific historical or spiritual themes, according to a company representative.

Visual Spectacle

The planned formations included a 280-metre image of Lord Shiva and a 330-metre shivaling. "According to the plan, the show will feature 3,000 drones and last around 15 minutes," said a person familiar with the matter earlier.

The main road leading to the temple was adorned with hoardings and banners for the occasion. Many banners bore the festival's name and 'Akhand Somnath, Akhand Bharat' inscription. This visual spectacle combined precision-controlled light formations with cultural narratives.

The sequence depicted Somnath’s journey from cosmic origins to modern India. It highlighted how spirituality and history intertwine with national identity through these aerial displays.

With inputs from PTI