Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76 on 17 September 2026, drawing warm greetings from spiritual leaders across India who praised him as a 'devotee of the nation' and lauded his longstanding respect for the seer community. Tributes poured in from religious figures in Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and beyond, with several ashrams marking the occasion with prayers, lamp-lighting, and charitable activities.

Haridwar Seer Calls Modi a 'True Administrator'

Junapeethadhishwar Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri ji Maharaj, speaking from Haridwar in Uttarakhand, described the Prime Minister as a 'true administrator' and a 'devotee of this nation.' He credited Modi with steering India through the COVID-19 pandemic and maintaining economic stability even as global conflicts disrupted other nations.

'PM Modi has scripted a saga of development and championed the Vocal for Local initiative. He steered the nation safely through the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even amid global conflicts, India has maintained economic stability and scaled new heights,' Swami Avdheshanand Giri said.

The seer also highlighted the Prime Minister's work in elevating Yoga to global recognition, noting that it secured formal acknowledgment at the United Nations as International Yoga Day. He further praised Modi's diplomatic record, citing the recent BRICS Summit, India's G20 Presidency, and various bilateral visits as 'unparalleled and truly astonishing' achievements. Swami Avdheshanand Giri also described the Prime Minister as 'Ajatashatru' — one who has no enemies.

At his ashrams across the country, the swami said Diwali-like festivities were being observed, with lamps lit in every corner. A Rudrabhishek — a sacred ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva — was also being performed, alongside food and medicine donations and the organisation of medical camps.

Nashik Sant Community Extends Birthday Greetings

In Nashik, Maharashtra — a city revered as a holy site and the upcoming venue for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela — members of the sant community also extended greetings to the Prime Minister. Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) national spokesperson Bhakti Charan Das Maharaj said the sants in Nashik hold a deep sense of affinity and respect for Modi.

He recalled that when the Prime Minister had visited Nashik and met with the sant community, his 'simplicity, natural demeanour, and respectful conduct' left a lasting impression. The seer also noted that even during Modi's earlier tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, the Prime Minister would regularly interact with the sant community at the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad.

'From this sacred land — blessed by Lord Shri Ram, Lord Kapileshwar Mahadev, and the Brahmagiri hills — we pray for his good health, long life, and continued strength in the service of the nation,' Bhakti Charan Das Maharaj said.

Themes of Spiritual Recognition

Both seers emphasised that Modi's respect for the sant community is not ceremonial but consistent — whether at swearing-in events or religious gatherings, according to the Nashik seer. This comes amid a broader pattern of political-spiritual goodwill that has been a visible feature of Modi's public engagements throughout his tenure. Notably, the birthday tributes arrived days after the Prime Minister's return from high-profile diplomatic engagements, including the BRICS Summit, which observers say added to the sense of national pride reflected in the seers' remarks.

What Was Observed on the Occasion

Spiritual rituals, lamp-lighting ceremonies, and charitable drives — including food distribution, medicine donations, and medical camps — were held at ashrams affiliated with Swami Avdheshanand Giri's network. The observances reflect a tradition among religious communities of marking the Prime Minister's birthday with acts of public service. As Modi enters his 77th year, leaders across the political and spiritual spectrum are expected to continue marking the occasion through similar events nationwide.