Archive · 17 Sep 2026
BJP-Ruled States Compete With Grand Modi Birthday Celebrations
Many Indian states led by the BJP are organizing events for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.
His birthday is on September 17, 2026, and he is turning 76, according to the article.
The events also celebrate his 25 years in public service.
People will light lamps, join rallies, enter competitions and take part in welfare activities.
Some states are organizing blood donation camps and helping people access government schemes.
Delhi is also announcing infrastructure projects during a month-long campaign.
Odisha has asked people to share pictures and videos of their lamps online.
Some critics think the celebrations are too large and have made jokes about them.
Modi received birthday wishes from delegates while opening the SEMICON India conference.
BJP-ruled states are holding large campaigns and events for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday on September 17, 2026.
The celebrations also mark Modi’s 25th year in public service, beginning with his tenure as Gujarat chief minister.
Bengal plans diya ceremonies involving more than one crore families, college performances and competitions across schools and colleges.
Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Odisha, Haryana, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have announced varied programmes including rallies, welfare drives, blood donations and public events.
Critics on social media have mocked the scale of the celebrations, while birthday greetings also interrupted Modi’s opening address at the SEMICON India conference.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP-ruled state governments, party leaders, students and members of the public.
- What
- States are organizing birthday celebrations, public-service campaigns and events marking Modi’s 25th year in public service.
- When
- The main celebrations are scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, with some programmes continuing for a month.
- Where
- Across BJP-ruled states, including Bengal, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Odisha, Haryana, Mizoram and Rajasthan; Modi also received greetings in New Delhi.
- Why
- To celebrate Modi’s 76th birthday and his 25 years in public service, while promoting welfare, service and development initiatives.
Supporters and Organizers
Critics
Scale of celebrations
Supporters and Organizers
State governments and party leaders present the events as public participation, service activities, welfare outreach and celebrations of Modi’s birthday and public service.
Critics
Critics and social-media users have mocked the scale of the programmes, suggesting the celebrations are exaggerated.
Political messaging
Supporters and Organizers
Organizers are using campaigns, competitions, rallies and performances to promote themes such as developed India, nation-building and government welfare schemes.
Critics
Critics have questioned the celebratory approach, with Mahua Moitra sarcastically asking whether people should switch off their lights and observe the day as a ‘black day’.
Public benefit
Supporters and Organizers
The programmes include blood donations, infrastructure projects, passenger services, welfare-scheme assistance and activities encouraging young people to contribute to nation-building.
Critics
Some social-media users complained that the public had received an alleged ‘UPI tax’ as a birthday gift, reflecting criticism of government-related costs or policies.
- Prime minister’s birthday
- Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday is scheduled for September 17, 2026.
- Public-service milestone
- The celebrations mark Modi’s 25th year in public service, beginning with his tenure as Gujarat chief minister.
- Bengal diya programme
- More than one crore families are expected to participate in the ‘Ashirbadon Ki Diya’ programme.
- Gujarat lamp ceremony
- More than 88 lakh earthen lamps are to be lit at 18,500 locations.
- Delhi projects
- The Delhi government announced projects worth Rs 13,800 crore to be inaugurated or launched during its month-long campaign.
- Delhi blood donation target
- A mega blood donation camp in Delhi aims to collect 2,500 units on September 17.
- SEMICON India
- Modi inaugurated the SEMICON India conference in New Delhi, where delegates applauded and wished him happy birthday.