Deepavali

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended warm Deepavali greetings to people across India, wishing them happiness, peace and prosperity. He also confirmed that he would continue his annual tradition of celebrating the festival of lights with members of the country's armed forces, keeping his focus on the soldiers who remain on duty while millions of families celebrate at home.

In a video message shared on his social media accounts, Modi described Diwali as a festival that represents India's determination to overcome darkness. He said the country was being illuminated with lights and extended his wishes to citizens for a joyful and prosperous festive season.

The Prime Minister said he celebrates Deepavali with enthusiasm, just like other people, but has made it a regular practice to spend the occasion among soldiers. He indicated that he would follow the same tradition this year.

"Like you, I celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm; and as you know, it has become a regular practice of mine to spend this time among our soldiers — a tradition I will continue this year as well," he said in his message.

Modi did not disclose the location where he plans to celebrate the festival with the armed forces. It therefore remains unclear whether he will visit an Army formation, a border post, a naval installation or another military location.

A tradition centred on India's armed forces

Celebrating Diwali with soldiers has become a familiar feature of Modi's public engagements during the festival. Over the years, he has visited military personnel at different locations, including strategically important border areas and naval installations.

These visits have often included interactions with troops, the exchange of festive greetings and sweets, and messages recognising the difficult conditions under which military personnel perform their duties. The Prime Minister has repeatedly described members of the armed forces as an extended family and said that spending the festival with them gives him an opportunity to acknowledge their service.

The tradition also draws attention to the fact that many soldiers cannot return home during major festivals. Personnel deployed along India's borders, in high-altitude areas, at sea and at other sensitive locations must continue their responsibilities even when their families are celebrating.

For these service members, festive occasions can mean long periods away from parents, spouses and children. Their duties may involve extreme weather, difficult terrain, security threats and demanding operational schedules.

By choosing to spend Diwali with troops, the Prime Minister seeks to highlight the contribution of personnel who remain on duty to protect the country during national celebrations.

Message of light, hope and togetherness

Alongside his announcement about meeting soldiers, Modi shared a broader message about the meaning of Diwali. He described the festival as a symbol of the victory of light over darkness, goodness over evil and hope over despair.

In a separate message published through the government's Jan Sampark Portal, he said the occasion offered an opportunity to celebrate India's cultural traditions and strengthen bonds of togetherness.

He expressed the hope that the festival would bring happiness, harmony and prosperity to every household. He also encouraged people to spread kindness, embrace positivity and work towards a brighter future.

The Prime Minister called on citizens to move forward with renewed energy and determination towards building a prosperous and developed India, a goal his government promotes through the vision of 'Viksit Bharat'.

His message combined traditional festive wishes with an appeal for unity, optimism and collective responsibility. The emphasis on togetherness was particularly relevant to a festival widely celebrated through family gatherings, community events, prayers and the exchange of gifts.

Previous Diwali visits to military locations

Modi's association with Diwali celebrations alongside security personnel goes back several years. During earlier occasions, he visited soldiers in locations including Siachen, Gurez Valley, Nowshera, Kargil and Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh.

In 2022, he celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Kargil, where he praised their courage and described the opportunity to spend the festival with them as a special experience. In 2023, he visited Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh and celebrated with security personnel stationed in the region.

In 2025, he celebrated Diwali with Indian Navy personnel aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off the western coast near Goa and Karwar. The visit included interactions with naval personnel and activities highlighting the capabilities of the warship.

These occasions have provided opportunities for the Prime Minister to recognise the contribution of the Army, Navy, Air Force and other security personnel. They have also brought public attention to the role of military families, whose members often manage household responsibilities while loved ones remain deployed away from home.

Why the message matters

The announcement carries significance beyond the formal exchange of festive greetings. Diwali is one of India's most widely celebrated festivals, but its timing also highlights the contrast between celebrations in homes and the responsibilities of personnel stationed in difficult or remote areas.

Military deployments do not stop for festivals. Soldiers continue guarding borders, monitoring sensitive locations and carrying out operational duties while the rest of the country observes the occasion.

The Prime Minister's message therefore serves as a reminder that national celebrations are also an opportunity to recognise those who help maintain the country's security. His annual visits have become a visible expression of that recognition.

At the same time, the announcement should not be interpreted as confirmation of a particular military visit or operational programme. The Prime Minister has said that he will continue the tradition, but has not publicly identified the destination or provided details of the schedule.

As Diwali celebrations approach, his message has conveyed two central themes: wishes for peace and prosperity for every household, and appreciation for the soldiers who remain away from their families to perform their duties.

Modi concluded his greeting by wishing the country a happy Diwali, reiterating his commitment to celebrating the festival with India's brave soldiers once again this year.