Gadkari extends Lakshmi Pujan wishes on Diwali
Synopsis
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari greeted the nation on Lakshmi Pujan 2026 with a Sanskrit hymn from the Devi Mahatmyam and a prayer for wealth, prosperity, and peace for all.
Key Takeaways
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari posted Lakshmi Pujan greetings on 8 November 2026 .
He opened with the Sanskrit shloka 'Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Lakshmi-rupena sansthita' from the Devi Mahatmyam.
He prayed for Maa Lakshmi to bestow wealth, prosperity, and happiness upon all.
Lakshmi Pujan is the central ritual of Diwali, observed on the new-moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik.
Gadkari has held the Road Transport and Highways portfolio since 2014 and is a former BJP national president.
With a Sanskrit shloka and a lamp-lit prayer, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari extended warm greetings to the nation on the occasion of Lakshmi Pujan on Sunday, 8 November 2026, invoking the goddess of wealth and prosperity for all.
Gadkari opened his post with the revered verse — 'Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Lakshmi-rupena sansthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah' — a classical hymn from the Devi Mahatmyam saluting the goddess as she who resides in all beings in the form of Lakshmi. He followed it with heartfelt wishes: 'May the blessings of Maa Lakshmi always remain upon everyone. May Maa Lakshmi bestow wealth, prosperity, and happiness and peace upon all.'
Lakshmi Pujan: the heart of Diwali night
Lakshmi Pujan is the central ritual of the Diwali festival, observed on the new-moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik. Devotees across India light diyas, perform prayers, and seek the goddess's blessings for abundance in the year ahead. The occasion is among the most widely observed religious events in the country, cutting across regions and communities.
For elected representatives, acknowledging major festivals on public platforms has become a settled part of political engagement — a way of connecting with constituents during moments of shared cultural significance. Gadkari's post, combining a classical Sanskrit invocation with a personal blessing, reflects that tradition.
As one of the most senior figures in the BJP — a former national president of the party who has held the Road Transport and Highways portfolio since 2014 — Gadkari's festival messages carry the weight of both his ministerial office and his long public standing.
May the diyas burn bright — and the blessings land.
Point of View
Whose political identity has always straddled technocratic governance and cultural conservatism, such posts reinforce his connection with a wide Hindu devotee base. The practice of festival greetings on social media has become a near-universal norm across the political spectrum, but the choice of a Devi Mahatmyam shloka adds a layer of religious literacy that distinguishes it from a routine 'Happy Diwali' message. It is a small but telling window into how senior BJP figures calibrate their public persona during high-visibility cultural moments.
NationPress
8 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lakshmi Pujan and when is it celebrated?
Lakshmi Pujan is the central ritual of the Diwali festival, observed on the new-moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, prosperity, and peace.
What did Nitin Gadkari post for Lakshmi Pujan 2026?
Gadkari shared greetings on 8 November 2026, opening with the Sanskrit shloka 'Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Lakshmi-rupena sansthita' and praying for Maa Lakshmi to bestow wealth and happiness upon all.
What is the meaning of the shloka Gadkari posted?
The shloka from the Devi Mahatmyam translates as: 'Salutations to the goddess who resides in all beings in the form of Lakshmi — salutations, salutations, salutations to her.'
Who is Nitin Gadkari?
Nitin Gadkari is the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, a senior BJP leader, and a former national president of the BJP. He has held the Road Transport portfolio since 2014.
Do Indian ministers commonly post festival greetings on social media?
Yes. Sharing greetings for major Hindu festivals like Diwali on social media platforms is a well-established practice among elected representatives across parties in India.
