Gujarat Marks Modi's 76th Birthday With Diyas, Rallies, and Global Tributes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a dominant figure in Indian politics for over two decades, turned 76 on September 17, 2026. In the lead-up to his birthday, preparations began in Gujarat, his home state, with plans for large-scale public celebrations. Organizers framed the day as 'Seva Diwas' or 'Day of Service', encouraging communal acts that highlighted Modi's reputation as a leader focused on public welfare.

The birthday was set to be more than a personal milestone, instead becoming a nationwide event with political and cultural undertones. BJP leaders and supporters mobilized volunteers and resources to mark the occasion with visibility and scale.

On September 16, Gujarat kicked off the celebrations by lighting 8.8 million diyas, or oil lamps, across the state, with a main event at the Kankaria Lakefront in Ahmedabad. High-profile BJP leaders, including Amit Shah and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, attended the ceremonies, which also featured sapling plantings, cow donations, and bike rallies, according to Indian Express and Times of India.

September 17 saw the rest of India participating in the 'Seva Diwas' activities. Public events included a 108-Kundiya Hawan, a large-scale ritual, as well as blood donation camps and the 'Aashirwad Ka Diya' program, where lamps were lit symbolically in Modi's honor, India News reported.

The celebrations drew participation beyond politics. Bollywood stars such as Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, along with other celebrities, shared public birthday messages for Modi, Indian Express noted. Meanwhile, international leaders joined in, with Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighting his recent discussions with Modi and expressing readiness for continued cooperation, as seen in NDTV Top Stories. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also called Modi her friend and wished him well.

Opposition figures, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, extended wishes, focusing on Modi's long public life, The Hindu reported. However, not everyone was pleased. Some younger citizens voiced discontent over the scale of the festivities, questioning government priorities, according to Le Monde.

The official birthday celebrations have concluded, with major events successfully carried out in Gujarat and across India. Modi received broad public and political recognition, and the international messages reinforced his global stature. However, the scale of the festivities sparked debate, with some Indians, particularly from the younger generation, expressing skepticism about the government's focus and expenditure.

For now, the event has reinforced Modi's presence in the public eye and highlighted the ongoing polarization in Indian society regarding his leadership and the state's approach to such commemorations.

Attention will turn to how the Modi government and the BJP address concerns raised by critics about the use of public resources for large-scale political celebrations. It remains to be seen if the debate over these festivities will influence future public events or shape political narratives as India approaches upcoming elections.