‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’: BJP Appeals for Lamp-Lighting on PM Modi’s Birthday

BJP Appeals for ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’

The BJP has asked citizens to light a diya, or traditional oil lamp, at their homes on September 17 to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. The initiative has been named “Aashirwad Ka Diya”, meaning “Lamp of Blessings”.

BJP national president Nitin Nabin made the appeal, while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also urged people to participate. The stated purpose is to offer blessings and good wishes for Modi’s long life, health and continued success.

When Will the Lamps Be Lit?

The BJP has asked people to participate in the lamp-lighting programme during the evening of September 17.

Reports on the campaign have placed the suggested lighting period between 6 pm and 7 pm, while an earlier report on the nationwide programme specified 7 pm as the planned time.

PM Modi’s 76th Birthday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was born on September 17, 1950. His birthday in 2026 will therefore mark his 76th birthday.

The BJP is linking this year's celebrations with Modi's 25 years in public life. He became Gujarat chief minister in 2001 and has served as prime minister since 2014.

‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ Part of Month-Long Seva Campaign

The lamp-lighting initiative is part of the BJP’s wider “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan”, a month-long programme beginning around Modi’s birthday.

The campaign includes service-oriented activities, welfare outreach and public-participation programmes across the country. BJP organisational units are expected to conduct activities involving different sections of society.

BJP Leaders Promote the Campaign

BJP president Nitin Nabin has publicly appealed to citizens to light the lamp at home. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has made a similar appeal, encouraging people to participate in the evening programme.

The campaign is being promoted through social media and party networks as part of the birthday celebrations.

Campaign Linked to Modi’s 25 Years in Public Life

The BJP is also using the occasion to highlight Modi's 25 years in public life.

According to reports, the party's nationwide programme is designed to involve beneficiaries of various government welfare schemes and encourage public participation in the celebrations.

Other Events Planned Across India

The birthday celebrations are not limited to the lamp-lighting initiative. BJP units in different states have announced activities including blood donation camps, cleanliness drives, welfare outreach programmes and other public events.

In some locations, larger ceremonial events involving thousands of lamps have also been planned.

Political Reactions to the Campaign

The “Aashirwad Ka Diya” initiative has also drawn political criticism.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised the lamp-lighting plans while discussing the flood situation in Bihar, alleging that government priorities should instead focus on flood-affected people. This is a political criticism rather than an established finding about government spending.

Other opposition figures have similarly questioned the campaign in the context of ongoing public issues. These reactions reflect political disagreement over how Modi’s birthday should be marked.

Why the Initiative Is Significant

The lamp-lighting campaign combines a traditional Indian symbol with a nationwide political-party outreach programme. The BJP has presented it as a gesture of blessings and public participation, while the wider “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan” is intended to involve party workers and members of the public in service activities.

What People Have Been Asked to Do

According to the BJP's appeal, citizens who wish to participate can:

• Light a diya at home on September 17.

• Participate during the evening period promoted by the party.

• Join other voluntary service and public-outreach activities associated with the campaign.

The activity is voluntary and forms part of the BJP's planned birthday and public-service programme.

What Happens on September 17?

September 17 will mark both Modi's birthday and the beginning of the BJP's month-long “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan”.

The party expects the “Aashirwad Ka Diya” initiative to involve people across different parts of the country, alongside other service and outreach activities.

Bottom Line

The BJP has appealed to citizens to light an “Aashirwad Ka Diya” at home on September 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday. The lamp-lighting programme is part of a larger month-long “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan” featuring service activities, welfare outreach and public participation. While BJP leaders have described the diya as a symbolic gesture of blessings and good wishes, opposition leaders have raised political criticism of the campaign and its priorities.