On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his warm greetings to the nation, with special wishes for the people of Uttarakhand, as they mark the Igas Diwali festival, a distinctive celebration rooted deeply in the Himalayan state’s folk traditions.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Igas festival to all my fellow countrymen, including my family members from Uttarakhand! Today, I had the privilege of participating in this festival at the residence of Anil Baluni ji, Member of Parliament from Uttarakhand, here in Delhi. I wish that this festival brings happiness, prosperity, and well-being to everyone’s life.”
उत्तराखंड के मेरे परिवारजनों सहित सभी देशवासियों को इगास पर्व की बहुत-बहुत बधाई! दिल्ली में आज मुझे भी उत्तराखंड से लोकसभा सांसद अनिल बलूनी जी के यहां इस त्योहार में शामिल होने का सौभाग्य मिला। मेरी कामना है कि यह पर्व हर किसी के जीवन में सुख-समृद्धि और खुशहाली लाए।@anil_baluni pic.twitter.com/KERvqmB6eA
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 11, 2024
The Prime Minister further emphasized their commitment to advancing both development and heritage together, expressing satisfaction that the nearly extinct Igas festival, rooted in folk culture, is once again becoming a center of faith for his family members in Uttarakhand.
हम विकास और विरासत को एक साथ लेकर आगे बढ़ने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध हैं। मुझे इस बात का संतोष है कि लगभग लुप्तप्राय हो चुका लोक संस्कृति से जुड़ा इगास पर्व, एक बार फिर से उत्तराखंड के मेरे परिवारजनों की आस्था का केंद्र बन रहा है।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 11, 2024
“The way my brothers and sisters in Uttarakhand have brought the tradition of Igas to life is truly inspiring. The large-scale celebration of this sacred festival across the country is a direct testament to this. I am confident that this heritage of Devbhoomi will continue to thrive and flourish,” PM Modi asserted.
उत्तराखंड के मेरे भाई-बहनों ने इगास की परंपरा को जिस प्रकार जीवंत किया है, वो बहुत उत्साहित करने वाला है। देशभर में इस पावन पर्व को जिस बड़े पैमाने पर मनाया जा रहा है, वो इसका प्रत्यक्ष प्रमाण है। मुझे विश्वास है कि देवभूमि की यह विरासत और फलेगी-फूलेगी।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 11, 2024
Uttarakhand celebrates Igas, also known as Budhi Diwali, eleven days after the traditional Diwali observed throughout India.
This year, Igas falls on 12 November, a day set aside to commemorate the time-honored story of how the news of Lord Ram’s victorious return to Ayodhya after his battle with Ravana took eleven days to reach the remote
The Himalayan state is however a result of the rugged landscape and limited communication.
In tribute to this delay, Uttarakhand celebrates its own Diwali, infusing it with local folklore and a deep sense of cultural identity.
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