Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday, 7 November 2026, celebrated Diwali with soldiers of the Garhwal Rifles in Dehradun, honouring their commitment to the nation on the eve of the festival of lights. Dhami praised the jawans for their unwavering spirit of service, noting that their dedication despite being separated from their families was an inspiration to the entire country.

An Emotional Celebration with the Jawans

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dhami described the visit as a deeply moving experience. “Diwali is our special festival, and coming among all our soldiers of the Garhwal Rifles at such a time is a very emotional moment for me. Everyone stays away from their families and works in difficult conditions, yet they possess the spirit of lifelong dedication to the country and a constant desire to work for the nation at all times,” he said.

Dhami added that the soldiers’ commitment serves as a reminder for every citizen to place national interest above personal priorities. “It inspires all of us to work with the understanding that the country always comes first and remains our top priority. On the occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all the jawans and their families,” he said.

Diwali 2026: Date, Timing and Significance

Diwali, the festival of lights, will be observed across India on Sunday, 8 November. The festival falls on Amavasya — the new moon day — during the Hindu month of Kartik. According to the Hindu calendar, the Amavasya Tithi begins at 11:28 am on 8 November and continues until 12:32 pm on 9 November. The celebration is confirmed for 8 November as the Pradosh Kaal — the auspicious evening period for religious rituals and worship — falls on that day.

How the Festival Is Celebrated

Diwali is marked with great enthusiasm across India and in many parts of the world. Homes are adorned with earthen lamps, colourful lights, and rangolis. Special prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, with devotees seeking happiness, prosperity, and well-being for their families.

The festival also carries deep religious and cultural significance. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and completing 14 years of exile. To welcome him, the people of Ayodhya lit countless earthen lamps — a tradition widely regarded as the origin of Diwali’s signature celebration. Lighting diyas has since come to symbolise the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

The Garhwal Rifles and Their Connection to Uttarakhand

The Garhwal Rifles is one of India’s most storied infantry regiments, drawing its soldiers predominantly from the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The regiment’s deep roots in the state make Dhami’s visit particularly symbolic — a Chief Minister celebrating a home festival with soldiers who, more often than not, hail from his own state but serve far from it. This is consistent with a broader tradition among state leaders of marking major festivals with the armed forces, reinforcing the civil-military bond.

As Diwali approaches, the gesture underscores a message of solidarity — that the sacrifices of those in uniform are neither forgotten nor taken for granted by the state’s political leadership.