Inside PM Modi’s 76th birthday celebrations across India: All about the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ campaign

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appealed to people to light a diya at their homes on September 17, which is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, as part of its ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ campaign. BJP president Nitin Nabin made the appeal on Monday, urging people to participate in the symbolic gesture and pray for the PM's long life, good health and success.

BJP’s birthday campaign

The initiative is part of a broader programme being organised by the BJP around Modi’s birthday. The party has announced a month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ starting September 17 to mark 25 years of Modi’s public service.

The campaign will include numerous activities, including blood donation and cleanliness drives, exhibitions, seminars and camps aimed at creating awareness about government welfare schemes.

The BJP has also planned initiatives that to highlight Modi’s political career and his tenure as chief minister of Gujarat and prime minister.

All about the celebrations

Under the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme, people have been urged to light a traditional lamp at home on September 17. The BJP has presented the activity as a collective gesture of goodwill and blessings for the PM.

Other programmes have also been announced at the regional level. In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said the state BJP and government would begin their month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ on September 17, with the lighting of the ceremonial ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’. The programme is slated to continue until October 17.

In Rajasthan, the campaign will include Seva Yatras, Kalash Yatras, Seva Camps, workshops and public outreach programmes. Other states have announced similar birthday-related activities. In Mumbai, Ganesh mandals will host a special Maha Aarti on September 17, while Odisha has urged people to participate in the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ initiative.

Meanwhile, PM Modi, who was born on September 17, 1950, will turn 76 this year. The BJP’s September 17 programme combines birthday celebrations with activities giving tribute to his 25 years in public service.