By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| Chhattisgarh witnessed a remarkable expression of public participation on September 17, 2026, as more than 1.5 crore diyas were lit across the State under the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ initiative, marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s completion of 25 years in public life.

Led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the initiative transformed the State into a vast canvas of light, with citizens joining from villages, towns and cities. In Raipur alone, more than 25 lakh diyas were illuminated, creating a spectacular visual expression of the occasion. ([Jagran][1])

A Diya of Blessings, Gratitude and Participation

The ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ campaign was conceived as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, connecting the symbolism of the traditional earthen lamp with service, gratitude, public participation and collective resolve.

For Chhattisgarh, the initiative became more than a mass lamp-lighting programme. The thousands of locations where lamps were lit represented the participation of ordinary citizens, public representatives, social organisations and different sections of society.

The State government described the collective lighting as an expression of affection, goodwill and best wishes for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while also linking the campaign with the broader idea of public service and development. ([Jagran][1])

Raipur Creates a Special Landmark

The capital Raipur emerged as the focal point of the celebration, with more than 25 lakh lamps illuminating the city. At Mahadev Ghat, a large-scale Deepotsav and Maha Aarti added a spiritual and cultural dimension to the occasion.

Across the State, district-level programmes extended the campaign beyond the capital. From urban centres to smaller towns and villages, citizens participated in lighting lamps, turning the initiative into a statewide celebration of public participation.

Recognition in the Golden Book of World Records

The scale of the campaign brought another distinction to Chhattisgarh. The ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ initiative was entered into the Golden Book of World Records, following the reported lighting of more than 25 lakh diyas in Raipur and over 1.50 crore across Chhattisgarh.

The recognition added an international record dimension to an initiative rooted in a distinctly Indian tradition—the diya as a symbol of light, hope and goodwill.

Vishnu Deo Sai’s People-Centric Initiative

Under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s leadership, the campaign sought to combine celebration with the message of service. Ahead of the event, Sai appealed to citizens to participate in the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, emphasising service, cleanliness, environmental protection and welfare-oriented activities.

His own participation in the campaign, including lighting the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’, gave a personal dimension to the initiative. Earlier, the Chief Minister had also purchased an earthen lamp from a roadside vendor in Raipur, highlighting the importance of supporting local artisans and small livelihoods.

A State United in Light

The significance of ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ ultimately lies in its extraordinary scale of participation. More than 15 million lamps, lit across Chhattisgarh, created a collective spectacle while giving traditional symbolism a contemporary public dimension.

One diya may illuminate only a small space, but millions of diyas together can transform an entire landscape. In Chhattisgarh, that collective light became the defining image of an occasion commemorating 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public life—and a notable example of how a cultural tradition can become a large-scale expression of public participation.

‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ — a light of blessings, a moment of history, and a Golden Book record for Chhattisgarh.

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