Bhubaneswar: More than 11,000 oil lamps illuminated the historic Mukteswar Temple here on Thursday as thousands of women and youth participated in the state government’s ‘Ashirwadara Deepa’ (Lamp of Blessings) programme to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday.
The programme, organised as part of the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan-2026’, saw women lighting lamps across the temple premises amid evening aarti, conch-shells and devotional performances by noted Odia singers.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh and Brahmagiri MLA Upasana Mahapatra were among those who participated in the lamp-lighting ceremony.
Majhi also interacted with youth gathered at the venue and appreciated their participation in the programme.
Speaking to reporters, the chief minister extended birthday greetings to Modi and said the lamps symbolised the blessings of the people of Odisha for the Prime Minister’s long life, good health and well-being.
The chief minister also said Odisha would continue its efforts towards fulfilling Modi’s vision and expressed confidence that India would emerge as a “Vishwaguru”.
The programme was accompanied by devotional bhajans performed by prominent Odia vocalists, adding to the festive atmosphere at the temple.
According to the state government, more than one crore ‘Ashirwadara Deepa’ have been lit across all 30 districts under the statewide campaign. Families participated by lighting lamps at their homes, while self-help group members and beneficiaries of the Subhadra scheme also joined the initiative.
Collective lamp-lighting programmes were organised at gram panchayat, block and district levels, besides temples, where participants also created traditional ‘jhoti’ designs.
The state-wide initiative witnessed participation from self-help groups, Subhadra beneficiaries, local residents and elected representatives.
