In keeping with his custom, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday to celebrate Diwali with security forces. Modi has been celebrating Diwali by touring military installations since taking office in 2014.
In a post on ‘X,’ Modi wrote, “Reached Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces.”
He had earlier wished everyone a happy, prosperous, and healthy Diwali. Greetings on Diwali to all! May everyone’s life be filled with happiness, wealth, and excellent health as a result of this unique festival, Modi remarked.
PM Modi’s Diwali Celebrations: A Journey Since 2014
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has observed Diwali in a distinctive and meaningful manner since taking office in 2014, frequently opting to spend the holiday with the armed forces. A look back at his Diwali celebrations over the years is provided here:
- Diwali 2014 (Siachen): During the first year of his administration, Prime Minister Modi celebrated Diwali in Siachen alongside the security forces. At that time, a tweet wished the country well and reflected his presence in the frigid heights of the Siachen Glacier.
- Diwali 2015 (Punjab): In 2015, Modi paid tribute to the Indian Army’s victories in the 1965 war by visiting memorials in Punjab. His decision to pay tribute to soldiers who gave their lives in battle brought their contributions to light.
- Diwali 2016 (Himachal Pradesh): PM Modi visited soldiers the following year in Himachal Pradesh, close to the Chinese border. Engaging with members of the Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, he conveyed his sincere gratitude for their commitment.
- Diwali 2017 (Gurez sector, Kashmir): Modi highlighted that being in the armed forces gives him energy during Diwali in the Gurez sector of North Kashmir in 2017. This decision further demonstrated his dedication to honoring the military’s sacrifices.
- Diwali 2018 (Uttarakhand): In 2018, Modi celebrated Diwali at Harsil, Uttarakhand, where he paid an unexpected visit to the armed forces. A visit to the hallowed Kedarnath Dham, which displayed a fusion of joyous festivities and spiritual reverence, came next.
- Diwali 2019 (Rajouri, J&K): Continuing his custom of celebrating the holiday with those who defend the country, Prime Minister Modi celebrated Diwali with staff in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, the following year.
- Diwali 2020 (Longewala): During his 2020 visit to Rajasthan’s Longewala border post, Modi emphasized that celebrating Diwali with soldiers—whether in snow-capped mountains or barren deserts—makes the occasion complete.
- Diwali 2021 (Nowshera, Kashmir): The Prime Minister observed Diwali in Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir in 2021, sharing how special it was to celebrate the holiday with the soldiers, who they considered to be members of their extended family.
- Diwali 2022 (Kargil): In honor of those who gave their lives during the 1999 Kargil conflict, Modi celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Kargil last year. He reaffirmed India’s opposition to war while highlighting the need for strength to maintain world peace and prosperity.
PM Modi’s steadfast dedication to remembering and honoring the military forces’ sacrifices during the festival of Lights is reflected in these yearly festivities.
