Bhubaneswar: The historic Mukteswar Temple here was illuminated by the glow of more than 11,000 oil lamps on Thursday evening with thousands of women and youths gathering for the ‘Ashirbadara Deepa’ (Blessing Lamps) programme organised by the state govt to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday.
Diyas lighted at Mukteswar temple in Bhubaneswar on Thursday
In the evening, the temple complex came alive with rows of flickering lamps, creating a golden aura around the centuries-old shrine. The atmosphere resonated with the sound of the blowing of conch shells, temple bells and devotional songs rendered by noted Odia singers, turning the event into a grand spiritual spectacle.Participants offered prayers for the Prime Minister’s long life, good health and continued leadership. Holding lighted lamps in their hands, thousands joined in a collective prayer ceremony amid chants and devotional music. Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the programme along with deputy chief minister Pravati Parida, revenue minister Suresh Pujari, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh and Brahmagiri MLA Upasana Mohapatra.Speaking to the media, Majhi conveyed his birthday greetings to the Prime Minister and said the lamps symbolised the blessings and goodwill of Odisha’s people. He expressed confidence that India would achieve the vision outlined by Modi and continue its march towards becoming a global leader.The event was part of the statewide ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan-2026’ under which more than one crore lamps were lit across Odisha’s 30 districts. Self-help group members, Subhadra Yojana beneficiaries and local residents actively participated in celebrations held from village to district levels across the state. A BJP statement said 8,810 units of blood was donated at the camp on Exhibition Ground on Thursday.