President Droupadi Murmu to Visit Kerala from October 21–24; PM Modi Celebrates Diwali with Naval Personnel

New Delhi, October 20, 2025: President Droupadi Murmu will embark on a four-day visit to Kerala from October 21 to 24, the President’s Secretariat announced on Monday.

According to the official release, President Murmu will arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on the evening of October 21. The next day, she is scheduled to perform Darshan and Aarti at the revered Sabarimala Temple.

On October 23, the President will unveil a bust of former President K.R. Narayanan at Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. She will also inaugurate the Mahasamadhi Centenary observance of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, and later attend the valedictory ceremony of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of St. Thomas College, Palai.

Her final day in Kerala, October 24, will include participation in the centenary celebrations of St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan to exchange Diwali greetings. In a social media post, the President wrote, “Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and shared Diwali greetings.”

Extending warm wishes to citizens, President Murmu shared, “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Indians, both in India and across the world. This festival of joy is also an occasion for self-reflection and an opportunity to help and support the deprived and the needy. I urge everyone to celebrate Diwali safely, responsibly, and in an environmentally friendly manner.”

Meanwhile, continuing his tradition, Prime Minister Modi celebrated Diwali with the armed forces, this year aboard INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa and Karwar. Addressing Naval personnel, he said, “Today, on one side I have infinite horizons and the sky, and on the other side, INS Vikrant, embodying infinite power. The glow of the sun’s rays on the ocean’s waters is like the Diwali lamps lit by our brave soldiers.”

Diwali, the festival of lights, spans five days beginning with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali), the main Diwali day dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.