PM Modi Diwali 2026: Plans to Celebrate With Soldiers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Diwali greetings to people across India on Saturday, November 7, 2026, wishing them happiness, peace and prosperity. He also confirmed that he would continue his tradition of spending Diwali with members of the armed forces, making the festival an occasion to acknowledge soldiers serving the country.

In his message, Modi described Diwali as a festival that symbolises the resolve to overcome darkness. He said the country was illuminated with lights and offered his wishes for the festival and the period ahead.

The prime minister’s announcement continued a practice he has followed during his time in office: marking Diwali with military personnel, often at locations where troops are deployed. The tradition brings attention to service members who spend important festivals away from their families while carrying out their duties.

PM Modi says celebrating Diwali with soldiers has become a tradition

In his Diwali message, Modi said spending the festival with soldiers had become a regular practice and that he intended to continue it this year as well.

“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,” the prime minister said.

Modi did not disclose the location where he would meet the armed forces personnel this year. His announcement, however, confirmed that he would once again mark the occasion with soldiers rather than limit his celebrations to official engagements in the national capital.

For military personnel deployed at forward posts, remote locations and other operational areas, festivals can mean spending time away from their families. Visits by national leaders during such occasions provide an opportunity to acknowledge their service and interact with personnel stationed in challenging conditions.

Modi has maintained this practice during several Diwali celebrations since becoming prime minister. His previous visits have included interactions with Army, Air Force and other security personnel at different locations across the country.

In 2024, for example, he celebrated Diwali with Border Security Force personnel in Gujarat’s Kutch region. In earlier years, he also visited military personnel in areas including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and other strategically important locations.

PM Modi calls Diwali a symbol of the victory of light over darkness

Alongside his announcement about meeting soldiers, the prime minister highlighted the symbolic significance of Diwali and its message of overcoming darkness.

“The auspicious festival of Diwali is here, and the entire country is illuminated with lights. This festival of lights symbolises our resolve to fight against darkness,” Modi said.

He extended his heartfelt wishes to citizens and expressed hope that the festival and the days ahead would bring happiness, peace and prosperity.

Diwali is widely associated with the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Across India, families celebrate by lighting diyas, decorating homes, exchanging sweets and gifts, offering prayers and gathering with relatives.

Although customs vary across regions and communities, the festival carries a broader message of hope, renewal and positivity. It is also an important occasion for family gatherings, religious observances and community celebrations.

PM Modi meets Vice President CP Radhakrishnan to exchange Diwali wishes

Earlier on Saturday, Modi met Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and exchanged Diwali greetings ahead of the celebrations.

The prime minister shared details of the meeting in a post on X, writing, “Met Vice President Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji and exchanged Diwali greetings.”

The meeting was part of the festive engagements involving senior constitutional authorities. The exchange of greetings between the prime minister and vice president marked the occasion with a customary gesture of goodwill.

Radhakrishnan, who assumed office as India’s vice president in September 2025, has also participated in public engagements and festival-related interactions with national and state leaders.

PM Modi had earlier extended Dhanteras greetings

Before Diwali, the prime minister had also conveyed his wishes to citizens on Dhanteras, which is associated with prosperity, wealth and good health.

In his message, Modi invoked Lord Dhanvantari, the deity traditionally associated with health and medicine. He wished that the deity’s blessings would bring happiness, peace and good health to people across the country.

Dhanteras is observed at the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival in many parts of India. The day is traditionally associated with purchasing precious metals, utensils and other household items, while families also perform prayers for prosperity and well-being.

Retail markets, particularly jewellery and consumer-goods businesses, often see increased activity during the occasion as households make festive purchases. The festival also marks the beginning of celebrations that continue through Diwali and other regional observances.

Diwali celebrations across India and abroad

Diwali is celebrated across India and by Indian communities around the world. The festival has also gained visibility in international public institutions, with political leaders, diplomatic missions and local governments participating in cultural programmes and ceremonial events.

In the United States, for instance, governors, senators, mayors and members of Congress have joined Diwali celebrations across several states this year. Public proclamations and official gatherings have recognised the cultural contributions of Indian-American communities.

Such celebrations reflect the festival’s growing international presence and its importance as a cultural occasion for people of Indian origin living overseas.

Why Modi’s Diwali visit to soldiers attracts attention

The prime minister’s decision to celebrate Diwali with soldiers has become a recurring feature of his festival engagements. The practice places the focus on armed forces personnel who remain on duty while much of the country celebrates with family and friends.

India’s military personnel serve in diverse environments, including high-altitude mountain regions, deserts, coastal areas and remote border locations. Depending on their deployment and operational responsibilities, many cannot return home for major festivals.

Interactions with soldiers during Diwali also provide an opportunity for the prime minister to acknowledge their role in national security and hear about their experiences. The tradition has become a regular part of his public observances during the festival.

What to expect from PM Modi’s Diwali engagements this year

Modi’s November 7 message confirms that he plans to continue his tradition of celebrating Diwali with soldiers in 2026. However, the prime minister has not specified the location of his visit or the military formation he will meet.

His engagements so far have included extending greetings to citizens, meeting Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and recalling the importance of the festival’s message of hope and positivity.

As Diwali celebrations take place across the country, the prime minister’s planned interaction with military personnel will bring attention to those serving away from home. His message also carries a broader festive wish for peace, happiness and prosperity for citizens and their families.