Frequently Asked Question

What festivals are celebrated at the Somnath Temple?

Somnath Temple observes a rich calendar of festivals throughout the year, and visiting during any of the major ones transforms the experience entirely.

Maha Shivratri (February–March): This is the biggest event at Somnath. As the foremost Jyotirlinga, Somnath draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims on Maha Shivratri. The temple remains open through the night for special darshan, aartis are performed at each prahar (watch), and the entire Prabhas Patan area fills with devotees. Book accommodation months in advance if you plan to visit during Shivratri.

Shravan Month (July–August): The entire month of Shravan is sacred to Lord Shiva, and Somnath sees heightened devotion throughout. Every Monday (Shravan Somvar) is particularly significant — kanwariyas and devotees arrive from across Gujarat and neighboring states. Special daily aartis and abhishek (ritual bath of the Jyotirlinga) are performed.

Kartik Purnima (October–November): The full moon of the Kartik month is a highly auspicious day for bathing at the Triveni Sangam at Somnath, where the Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati rivers meet the sea. A fair (mela) is held in the surrounding area during this period.

Somnath Sthapana Divas: The temple’s consecration anniversary (May 11) is observed each year with special ceremonies and is a significant event within the temple calendar.

Golokdham Utsav: Linked to the nearby Bhalka Tirth (where Lord Krishna is believed to have departed from the mortal world), this festival has regional importance for Vaishnavas who also visit Somnath as part of the same pilgrimage circuit.

In general, if you prefer a peaceful visit with shorter queues, avoid these festival periods and visit on a weekday between September and December.