Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali 2026 with security personnel in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. He shared the festival spirit with brave men and women who work day and night to protect the country.
As he interacted with the security personnel he wished them warm Diwali and called the soldiers and security forces of the nation as members of his family. His visit had special message of appreciation and solidarity for those who remain on duty during festivals away from homes and loved ones.
While millions of Indians celebrate Diwali with their families, relatives and friends security personnel across the country are performing duties to maintain peace, protect citizens and safeguard national security everyday. Modi’s decision to celebrate with them showed that sacrifices and dedication cannot be taken for granted.
Addressing the security personnel Prime Minister Modi said millions of Indians across country and in different parts of the world were celebrating the auspicious festival of lights.
People from distant places were returning to their hometowns and celebrating Diwali with families (Diwali is traditionally associated with happiness, togetherness, prosperity and victory of good over evil). But for those deployed at sensitive locations and security establishments it is not always possible to celebrate the festival with family because they have to be at their posts.
The Prime Minister said he had also come among the security personnel to celebrate Diwali with them. They are guardians of the nation and brave sons and daughters of Mother India all members of my family, he said.
Emotional message: His heart felt appeal recognised sacrifices made by personnel who spend important festivals away from home so that other citizens can celebrate without fear. Interaction also reminded us how security forces of country help in maintaining stability and protecting national interest.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates #Diwali🪔with secuirty personnel in Bastar, Chhattisgarh PM Modi says, "Today, across the country and in every corner of the world, crores of Indians are celebrating the auspicious festival of lights. People are travelling from far and wide to return to their homes. It is a great occasion for families and loved ones to come together and celebrate. I too have arrived among you to celebrate Diwali. Those who protect the nation at the borders and within the country, the guardians of the nation and the brave sons and daughters of Mother India, all of you are my family members." (Source: DD)
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2026
Bastar is special for Chhattisgarh because it has been facing security challenges due to Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) for many years now. Security forces have been involved in operations to control Maoist activities, public safety and strengthening the government presence in remote areas; they have also worked on infrastructure improvement, connectivity, education and access to services etc.
So Diwali with security personnel in Bastar has an importance beyond the festive occasion itself it shows that government is paying attention towards security and development of areas which have been challenged for a long time.
The Prime Minister’s visit also showed how important the relationship between security forces and communities they protect is. Bastar is one of those areas where peace has to be maintained and local people are made safe so that opportunities for development can emerge. Security personnel work in difficult terrain, weather conditions are unpredictable and operational responsibilities heavy; their contribution goes beyond security operations they support confidence building efforts as well as stability in affected areas.
Diwali celebrations with armed forces and security personnel have become a personal tradition of PM Modi’s. On several occasions he has chosen to spend Diwali with personnel posted in different parts of the country instead of celebrating it only in the national capital because those on duty during national festivals and important occasions are dedicated; these visits also give the Prime Minister an opportunity to personally thank personnel serving under difficult conditions.
For security personnel in Bastar, Diwali with PM would have been a special occasion. The festival of lights has a different meaning for people who cannot go home because they are on duty.
Modi’s statement that security personnel are his family members showed the emotional bond he wanted to create with those protecting the nation. He also talked about women serving in security forces (sons and daughters of Mother India).
The celebrations come at a time when Chhattisgarh is continuing with its efforts to improve security and development in areas affected by Maoist violence. Security infrastructure has to be strengthened, connectivity enhanced and government services expanded these are important priorities for Bastar too.
Development of Bastar is closely linked to making it a peaceful place where people can get education, healthcare, employment and economic opportunities. National leadership being here during an important festival also draws attention to the personnel working on ground.
Overall Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Diwali celebration with security personnel in Bastar, Chhattisgarh was a message of gratitude national unity and respect for the protectors of the country. The emotional highlight of the interaction was when he said soldiers and security personnel are members of his family.
While millions of Indians celebrated Diwali with their loved ones across the country, the PM’s visit recognised those who continue to serve the nation even on the most important festive occasion.
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