PM Modi extends Diwali greetings, to celebrate with defence personnel
Synopsis
PM Modi marked Diwali 2026 with a video message to the nation and his customary visit to defence personnel, while Vice President Radhakrishnan headed to Ayodhya for the 10th edition of Deepotsav — where organisers plan to light up to 33 lakh diyas across 56 ghats along the Saryu river.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi extended Diwali greetings on 7 November 2026 via a social media video titled 'Have a great Diwali.' Modi reaffirmed his annual tradition of celebrating Diwali with defence personnel .
Modi met Vice President C.P.
Radhakrishnan at Uprashtrapati Bhawan to exchange Diwali greetings.
Vice President Radhakrishnan travelled to Ayodhya for Deepotsav 2026 , marking the festival's 10th anniversary .
Organisers aim to light 30–33 lakh earthen diyas across 56 ghats , centred at Ram Ki Paidi and the Saryu river banks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 7 November extended warm Diwali greetings to citizens across India, sharing a social media video message ahead of his annual tradition of celebrating the festival of lights with defence personnel. The gesture reaffirms a practice Modi has maintained every year since taking office.
Modi's Diwali Message
In a video titled 'Have a great Diwali', the Prime Minister conveyed his wishes to the nation and reiterated his commitment to mark the occasion alongside the armed forces. 'On the occasion of Diwali, the entire country is illuminated. The festival of lights symbolises our pledge against darkness,' he said.
'May this festival bring happiness, wellbeing and prosperity for all. Just like you all, I also celebrate this festival with enthusiasm. Like every year, I will again be celebrating Diwali with our brave defence personnel. Once again, greetings to all of you on the occasion of Diwali,' Modi added.
Meeting with Vice President
Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Modi called on Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan at Uprashtrapati Bhawan to exchange Diwali greetings. The Vice President's office confirmed the meeting, noting that Radhakrishnan 'warmly received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Uprashtrapati Bhawan today and exchanged Deepawali greetings.'
Vice President at Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026
Vice President Radhakrishnan subsequently travelled to Ayodhya on Saturday to participate in Deepotsav 2026, according to an official statement. His schedule in Ayodhya includes offering prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, participating in the symbolic coronation ceremony of Prabhu Shri Ram, and felicitating revered saints on the occasion.
Deepotsav 2026: A Milestone Edition
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026, held on Saturday, marks the 10th anniversary of the grand pre-Diwali festival. Organisers are aiming to light between 30 and 33 lakh earthen diyas across 56 ghats, with the primary celebrations centred at Ram Ki Paidi and the banks of the Saryu river. Diwali itself falls on Sunday, 8 November. The scale of this year's Deepotsav underscores Ayodhya's growing prominence as a national cultural and religious landmark following the consecration of the Ram temple earlier in the year.
Point of View
One that consistently reinforces his 'soldier-first' brand with minimal policy content. The more substantive story this Diwali is Ayodhya's Deepotsav reaching its 10th edition — a milestone that reflects how decisively the Ram temple project has reshaped the cultural and political calendar of the ruling establishment. Routine festival greetings from the Prime Minister carry limited news value on their own; what elevates this cycle is the convergence of a landmark Deepotsav anniversary, the Vice President's participation, and the sheer scale of the 33-lakh-diya target, which signals continued state investment in Ayodhya as a flagship cultural destination.
NationPress
8 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will PM Modi celebrate Diwali 2026?
PM Modi will celebrate Diwali 2026 with defence personnel, continuing his annual tradition of marking the festival with the armed forces. He announced this in a social media video message on 7 November.
What is Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026?
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 is an annual pre-Diwali festival of lights held in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This year marks its 10th anniversary, with organisers planning to light 30 to 33 lakh earthen diyas across 56 ghats along the Saryu river.
Why did Vice President Radhakrishnan visit Ayodhya?
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan travelled to Ayodhya on 7 November to participate in Deepotsav 2026. His schedule included prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, a symbolic coronation ceremony of Prabhu Shri Ram, and felicitating revered saints.
When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November. The Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya were held on Saturday, 7 November, the eve of the festival.
What did PM Modi say in his Diwali message?
PM Modi said the festival of lights 'symbolises our pledge against darkness' and wished citizens happiness, wellbeing, and prosperity. He also confirmed he would celebrate with defence personnel, as he does every year.
