Diwali 2026: From Kashmir’s Lal Chowk To Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, India Celebrates Festival Of Lights

Diwali was celebrated with enthusiasm across India and abroad, as political leaders, celebrities and citizens joined the festivities, lighting diyas and exchanging greetings on the occasion of the Festival of Lights.

President Droupadi Murmu extended festive greetings to people across the country and abroad, wishing everyone happiness, peace and prosperity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his Diwali wishes to the people.

On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad. https://t.co/MBA0yLFjJI

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 8, 2026

BJP leader Ravinder Raina marked the occasion with a Diwali greeting from Lal Chowk in Kashmir. Sharing a post on social media, he wrote, “Happy #Diwali🪔🪔At #LalChowk (Kashmir).”

Happy #Diwali 🪔🪔
At #LalChowk (Kashmir) https://t.co/t9znpG1wVF

— Ravinder Raina (@RavinderRaina) November 8, 2026

Bollywood actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also celebrated Diwali, sharing festive moments with her followers.

🪔 https://t.co/dRSu4VNZ52

— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) November 8, 2026

In Jammu, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed citizens and public delegations at his residence, who visited to convey festive greetings. He interacted with them and wished everyone a peaceful, happy and prosperous Deepawali.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also celebrated Diwali with his family at Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated Diwali with Army personnel deployed near Nathu La in Sikkim. He paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the Sherathang War Memorial, interacted with troops and distributed sweets and gifts among them.

On the auspicious occasion of Diwali today, paid homage to our immortal bravehearts at the Sherathang War Memorial in Sikkim. As the saying goes, “Monuments are for the living, not the dead”-they stand to continuously inspire us and awaken our national pride.

Their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty will forever remain etched in the memory of a grateful nation, and we will always remain indebted to their valor.

Also had the honor of meeting and interacting with our courageous troops deployed in this forward and challenging sector. Our jawans are like ‘diyas’ themselves, silently fighting the darkness and spreading the light of security to every home in the country. Even in extreme weather and difficult terrain, their unflinching vigil, boundless patriotism, and high morale burn brighter than a thousand lamps.

It is a matter of profound pride to celebrate Diwali among the true guardians of the motherland. Wishing all our brave personnel serving on the borders and their families a very Happy and Prosperous Diwali.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 8, 2026

In Varanasi, thousands of lamps illuminated Dashashwamedh Ghat as devotees gathered for the Maha Aarti. Srinagar’s Lal Chowk also glowed with festive decorations.

In Odisha, sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a special Diwali sculpture at Puri Beach.

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa extended Diwali greetings, while India’s Embassy in the UAE illuminated its premises for the occasion.

West Bengal celebrated Shyama Puja, or Kali Puja, with devotees offering prayers to Goddess Kali across Kolkata and other areas.

Indian communities worldwide also marked Diwali with prayers and cultural celebrations.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended Diwali greetings, wishing citizens happiness, prosperity and renewed energy.

समस्त देशवासियों को प्रकाश के पर्व दीपावली की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ।

यह दीपोत्सव आप सभी के जीवन में सुख, समृद्धि व सौभाग्य लेकर आए और नई ऊर्जा व उमंग का संचार करे। https://t.co/kuxLUHpdUZ

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 8, 2026

Union Ministers JP Nadda, Nitin Gadkari and Shivraj Singh Chouhan also extended Diwali greetings.

The festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, marked by lighting diyas, offering prayers and exchanging sweets and gifts.

Also Read: PM Modi Meets LK Advani On Birthday; Highlights His Role In BJP’s Growth