Since he was elected in 2014, the PM has celebrated Diwali with soldiers every year.
Here’s a look at how the PM has spent Diwali since he took office:
2021 – Nowshera (J&K)
Last year, the PM celebrated Diwali with the troops at Nowshera sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
I feel privileged that I got to spend Diwali with our brave soldiers in Nowshera, not as Prime Minister but as a me… https://t.co/AHqTsWCPzd
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1636029757000
“I feel privileged that I got to spend Diwali with our brave soldiers in Nowshera, not as Prime Minister but as a member of their family,” he tweeted.
“I have spent each Diwali with soldiers guarding our borders. Today, I have brought along with me the blessings of crores of Indians for our soldiers here,” the PM said.
2020 – Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)
In 2020, PM Modi celebrated Diwali with soldiers at Longewala in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Talking to the troops, he said that as long as Indian soldiers are present, this country’s Diwali celebrations would continue in full swing and be luminescent.
Every year, I cherish spending Diwali with our security forces. It is a way of reaffirming our solidarity with them… https://t.co/ZkX1xvny8W
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1605353161000
“Every year, I cherish spending Diwali with our security forces. It is a way of reaffirming our solidarity with them, as they bravely protect the nation and ensure our country can scale new heights of progress,” he had tweeted.
“Your colleagues wrote a story of valour at Longewala post, which fills every Indian with enthusiasm even today,” he said. The PM, with the slogan ‘bole so nihal, sasriyakaal,’ saluted the valour of brigadier Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri of 1971 war against Pakistan.
2019 – Rajouri (J&K)
In 2019, the Prime Minister celebrated Diwali with soldiers in the Rajouri district along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Celebrated #Diwali with the brave soldiers of the Indian Army in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. It is always a matte… https://t.co/AYVYG9k6qz
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1572174546000
The PM’s visit coincided with Infantry Day celebrations, which is observed to mark the landing of first Indian troops in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947 to push back Pakistan supported intruders.
This was the third time that the PM visited J&K to celebrate Diwali with the troops since 2014, and first after the abrogation of Article 370 provisions.
2018 – Harsil (Uttarakhand)
In 2018, PM Modi celebrated the festival with Army and ITBP personnel in the icy terrain near the India-China border in Harsil village, Uttarakhand.
Dear PM @netanyahu, as promised yesterday, here are some glimpses of how I celebrated Diwali.I went to the magnif… https://t.co/coN8JvxZ8f
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1541586947000
Later, he also offered prayers at Kedarnath temple.
Greeting the jawans on the occasion, the Prime Minister said their devotion to duty in the remote icy heights, is enabling the strength of the nation, and securing the future and the dreams of 125 crore Indians, a statement from his office said.
2017 – Gurez Valley (J&K)
The PM celebrated Diwali with the troops in Gurez sector of north Kashmir in 2017
Spending time with our Forces gives me new energy. We exchanged sweets & interacted. Happy to know the Jawans pract… https://t.co/WygBWil4Ky
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1508404912000
PM Modi, who offered sweets and exchanged greetings with the troops, said that like everyone else, he too wishes to spend Diwali with his family and that is why he had come among the jawans of the armed forces.
Chief of the Army Staff Gen B S Rawat and other senior army officers were present on the occasion.
2016 – Sumdo (Himachal Pradesh)
Amid heightened tensions along the Jammu & Kashmir border and exchange of fire in RS Pura sector of Jammu and at Samba and Kathua, PM Narendra Modi spent Diwali with troops at a remote location adjoining the Chinese border in Himachal Pradesh.
Made unscheduled stop at Chango village, close to Somdu, to wish people on Diwali. Was deeply touched by the improm… https://t.co/mukTvzJS77
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1477812611000
Accompanied by Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag, he spent more than three hours at Sumdo interacting with men from the Indo Tibetan Border Police and Dogra Scouts in a bid to raise the morale of the troops. “Everyone spends Diwali with their own, that’s why I’m here,“ he said.
2015 – Khasa (Punjab)
In 2015, the PM visited the Punjab border on Diwali, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Indo-Pak War.
He visited the Dograi War Memorial in Khasa, Amritsar, and placed wreath at the venue of one of the toughest battles fought and won by Indian forces on September 22, 1965.
I just laid a wreath and paid my respects at the Dograi War Memorial in Khasa, Amritsar, Punjab. https://t.co/bqMvRiV9RB
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1447223334000
Addressing the troops, he said, “I have come to celebrate Diwali with you. I am happy to get this opportunity..”
Hailing the soldiers, the PM said, “It is because of your valour, dedication and dreams that the whole world looks at India with respect. It is not only because of the uniform but character of the armed forces.”
2014 – Siachen (Ladakh)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent his Diwali at the Siachen glacier, lauding India’s armed forces. He also tweeted that he was wishing the entire country on the occasion “from the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier & with the brave Jawans & Officers.”
From the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier & with the brave Jawans & Officers of the Armed Forces, I wish all of you a Happy Diwali.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1414050843000
Modi made a day-long visit to Jammu & Kashmir which was hit by floods in September. Addressing troops at Siachen ahead of his visit to Srinagar, he said all of India was behind them. “As the country’s pradhan sewak, I have the opportunity to be with you here. I have come to spend my first Diwali as PM with you,” he said.
“The nation,” Modi said, “sleeps in peace because you are awake and prepared to make every sacrifice.”
(With inputs from agencies)
