# PM Modi Continues Tradition of Celebrating Diwali with Military Personnel Prime Minister Modi extends national greetings while preparing to visit soldiers for Diwali. - **Source:** [NDTV – Top Stories](https://www.ndtv.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/84a75063-c9ae-419a-b9ff-16df9017a9d4 ## National Diwali Greetings Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm Diwali greetings to all Indian citizens, wishing them happiness, peace, and prosperity. In a public video message, he described the festival as a powerful symbol of the nation's resolve against darkness. He emphasized that the country is currently illuminated in celebration of this light-focused holiday. ## Military Celebration Tradition Modi reaffirmed his long-standing personal tradition of spending Diwali with military personnel, known as jawans. He stated that he celebrates the festival with great enthusiasm and makes it a routine to visit brave soldiers every year. This practice serves to boost morale and demonstrate the government's commitment to the armed forces. ## Specific Border Visit Plans While the Prime Minister confirmed his intention to visit military personnel during the festival, the specific border location remains undisclosed in official reports. This annual visit is a cornerstone of his holiday schedule, highlighting the connection between the political leadership and the soldiers stationed at the country's various remote border outposts. ## Meeting Vice President Radhakrishnan In addition to his national address, Prime Minister Modi met with Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday. The two leaders exchanged Diwali greetings, marking the festive period with formal diplomatic engagement. Modi shared details of this meeting on the social media platform X, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the current administration. ## Dhanteras Observance Details Prior to the main Diwali festivities, the Prime Minister extended wishes for Dhanteras, the five-day festival's commencement. He invoked Lord Dhanvantari, the deity associated with medicine and health, praying for the removal of disease and fear. This cultural observance emphasizes the traditional importance of health and prosperity in the Indian festive calendar. ## Five-Day Festival Schedule The broader Diwali celebrations follow a structured five-day timeline starting with Dhanteras on November 6. This is followed by Choti Diwali on November 7, with the main Lakshmi Puja occurring on November 8. The sequence concludes with Govardhan Puja on November 9 and Bhai Dooj on November 10, marking a significant period. ## Symbolism of the Festival Modi characterized the festival as an introduction to the nation's collective resolve against darkness. By linking the lighting of lamps to national resilience, he framed the holiday as more than a religious event. This rhetoric serves to unify the public under a shared vision of progress, peace, and future prosperity. ## Significance of Public Outreach The Prime Minister's active communication through social media and video messages ensures that his festive wishes reach a wide audience. By balancing formal meetings with Vice President Radhakrishnan and personal visits to soldiers, Modi maintains a high-profile presence during the holiday. These actions reinforce his public image as a leader connected to citizens. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-celebrate-diwali-with-military-personnel-greets-nation-12297170#publisher=newsstand — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._