Bhubaneswar: Thousands of women and youths gathered at the historic Mukteshwar Temple here and lit more than 11,000 traditional lamps as part of the state government’s “Ashirbadara Deepa” programme to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday.

Participants held lighted lamps and offered prayers for the Prime Minister’s long life and good health.

The programme was attended and participated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh and Brahmagiri MLA Upasana Mahapatra. 
During the event, the Chief Minister interacted with the gathering of enthusiastic youths and appreciated their participation and expressions of goodwill.

Speaking to the media, Majhi extended his greetings and wishes to Prime Minister Modi on his 76th birthday. He said the lamps symbolised the blessings of the people of Odisha for the Prime Minister.

Devotional performances by well-known Odia singers further enhanced the spiritual atmosphere at the venue.

The “Ashirbadara Deepa” programme is being organised across Odisha under the “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan-2026”. More than one crore lamps have reportedly been lit across all 30 districts as part of the statewide initiative.

The initiative has been organised at various levels, from individual households to gram panchayats, blocks and districts. Collective lamp-lighting ceremonies have also been held at temples, accompanied by traditional jhoti and chita designs.

Local residents, public representatives, self-help group members and Subhadra beneficiaries have participated in the statewide celebrations.