'Going to salute our brave security personnel': PM Modi to celebrate Diwali with jawans in Bastar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended Diwali greetings to people across the country, wishing them happiness, peace and prosperity on the occasion of the festival of lights. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Diwali wishes to everyone! Boundless Diwali wishes to my family members across the country.” The prime minister said he was heading to Bastar to celebrate Diwali with security personnel, paying tribute to their sacrifices, selfless service and dedication to the nation. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Heading to Bastar to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces. This is an area where Naxalism once held sway and now, development is flourishing. I am going to salute our brave security personnel for their sacrifices, selfless service and unwavering devotion to the nation." He also shared a message in Hindi, saying, "दीपावली के पावन अवसर पर बस्तर जा रहा हूं। कल तक जहां नक्सलियों का कहर था वहां आज विकास की बहार है। वीर जवानों, उनके बलिदान, त्याग और तपस्या को नमन करने जा रहा हूं।" On Saturday, the Prime Minister had also shared a video message extending his wishes to the people and describing Diwali as a symbol of the country's resolve against darkness. “Hello! The holy festival of Diwali, the whole country is lit up with lights. This festival of light is an introduction to our resolve against darkness. Wishing you all a very Happy Diwali. May this festival of yours, your future time be filled with happiness, peace and prosperity,” he said. Earlier, the Prime Minister met Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and exchanged Diwali greetings. Sharing details of the meeting on X, PM Modi wrote, “Met Vice President Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji and exchanged Diwali greetings.” Meanwhile, BJP national president Nitin Nabin also extended Diwali greetings to the nation on Saturday and urged people to embrace Modi's 'Vocal for Local' vision by purchasing products made by local shopkeepers and artisans. In a festive video message shared on X, Nabin said collective consumer choices during the festival would help lay the foundation for an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat. Recalling the significance of Diwali, he referred to Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and linked the occasion to the modern renaissance of the Ram Temple. The five-day Diwali celebrations began with Dhanteras on November 6, followed by Choti Diwali on November 7. The main festival and Lakshmi Puja are being observed on Sunday, followed by Govardhan Puja on November 9 and Bhai Dooj on November 10.