President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, 7 November 2026, extended heartfelt Diwali greetings to all Indians at home and abroad on the eve of the festival, urging the country's youth to contribute enthusiastically to building a 'Viksit Bharat' while remaining rooted in Indian values. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also joined the outpouring of goodwill, sharing a social media video and announcing he would once again celebrate the festival with the armed forces.

President Murmu's Message

In her Diwali address, President Murmu drew on the mythological and cultural roots of the festival, noting that the celebrations mark Lord Ram's triumphant return to Ayodhya after his victory over demon king Ravan. 'Lord Ram beheld the beautiful rows of illuminated lamps. This forms the cultural and devotional significance of Diwali. The festival also symbolises the auspicious beginning of Ram Rajya,' she said.

The President described Diwali as a symbol of virtue prevailing over negative tendencies, and of an end to suffering giving way to joy and prosperity. She noted that prayers are offered to Lord Ganesh for auspicious beginnings and well-being, and to Mahalakshmi Mata for prosperity.

Call for Environmental Harmony and Nation-Building

'May we preserve the environment, live with harmony and may our patriotic youth, guided by Indian values, contribute enthusiastically to building a Viksit Bharat,' the President said, weaving together ecological responsibility and national development in a single appeal. The dual emphasis — cultural pride alongside a forward-looking developmental vision — reflects a consistent thread in her public messaging since assuming office.

PM Modi's Diwali Greeting and Defence Celebration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his own greetings through a social media video titled 'Have a great Diwali', in which he reaffirmed his annual tradition of spending the festival with defence personnel. 'May this festival bring happiness, well-being 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,' he said.

Modi also framed the festival in terms of national resolve: 'The festival of lights symbolises our pledge against darkness,' he added. The practice of celebrating Diwali with soldiers at forward posts has become a signature gesture of his tenure, reinforcing civil-military bonds during a major public holiday.

Significance of the Occasion

Diwali, one of India's most widely observed festivals, is celebrated across religious and regional lines, carrying economic significance as well — it marks the onset of the festive shopping season, with consumer spending typically spiking across electronics, gold, and apparel. This year's greetings from both the constitutional head and the head of government arrive as the country navigates a period of economic ambition, with the Viksit Bharat framework — targeting a developed India by 2047 — serving as the overarching policy narrative from New Delhi.