Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Somnath Pilgrimage Train Carries 1,060 Devotees from Vijayawada
A special train left Vijayawada carrying 1,060 devotees to visit the Somnath temple in Gujarat.
The devotees come from 21 temples across Andhra Pradesh.
Their train journey is free.
The train has 18 coaches, including sleeper coaches.
The trip is part of a year-long programme called Somnath Swabhiman Parv.
The programme remembers the temple’s history and its reconstruction in 1951.
A group of 100 performers is travelling with the pilgrims to present Andhra Pradesh’s culture.
Officials say food, water, places to stay and medical care will be provided.
A special train carrying 1,060 devotees departed Vijayawada for Veraval on Sunday.
The pilgrims were selected from 21 prominent temples across Andhra Pradesh and are travelling free of cost.
The 18-coach train has 16 sleeper coaches and two SLR coaches.
The pilgrimage is part of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a nationwide programme running from January 2026 to January 2027.
A 100-member cultural troupe is accompanying the devotees, with food, accommodation and medical support arranged.
- Who
- 1,060 devotees from 21 prominent temples across Andhra Pradesh, accompanied by a 100-member cultural troupe.
- What
- A free special-train pilgrimage to the Somnath temple.
- When
- The train departed on Sunday; the wider programme runs from January 2026 to January 2027.
- Where
- From Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, to Veraval in Gujarat.
- Why
- The pilgrimage is part of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, commemorating 1,000 years since the historic attack on the Somnath temple and 75 years since its reconstruction in 1951.
- Pilgrims
- 1,060 devotees
- Represented temples
- 21 prominent temples across Andhra Pradesh
- Train
- 18 coaches: 16 sleeper coaches and two SLR coaches
- Route
- Vijayawada to Veraval
- Cost to pilgrims
- The special-train pilgrimage is free of cost
- Cultural troupe
- 100 members
- Programme period
- January 2026 to January 2027