Published on: October 20, 2025 | New Delhi

President Droupadi Murmu will undertake a four-day visit to Kerala from October 21 to 24, 2025, as announced by the President’s Secretariat on Monday. The visit will include a series of religious, cultural, and educational events across several districts, underscoring the President’s engagement with Kerala’s diverse spiritual and social heritage.

According to the official itinerary, President Murmu will arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on the evening of October 21. Her visit will begin with a pilgrimage to one of the most revered temples in southern India. On October 22, the President is scheduled to perform Darshan and Aarti at the Sabarimala Temple, a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The visit to the hill shrine is expected to draw considerable attention, given its religious significance and the continuing national discourse surrounding access, tradition, and inclusivity at the temple.

Honouring Kerala’s Spiritual and Intellectual Legacy

The following day, October 23, will see a series of high-profile public events. In the morning, President Murmu will unveil a bust of former President of India, K.R. Narayanan, at the Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. The ceremony will pay tribute to Narayanan, who remains one of India’s most respected heads of state and a native of Kerala known for his commitment to democracy, social justice, and equality.

Later that day, the President will travel to Varkala to inaugurate the observance of the Mahasamadhi Centenary of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt. Sree Narayana Guru, one of Kerala’s most influential social reformers and spiritual leaders, championed equality, rationalism, and universal brotherhood. The centenary commemoration of his Mahasamadhi is expected to draw religious scholars, community leaders, and devotees from across the country.

In the evening, President Murmu will attend the valedictory function of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of St. Thomas College, Palai. The institution, one of Kerala’s leading centers of higher education, has played a vital role in shaping academic excellence and community development in the state for over seven decades.

On the final day of her visit, October 24, President Murmu will participate in the centenary celebrations of St. Teresa’s College in Ernakulam. Established in 1925, St. Teresa’s has been a pioneering institution for women’s education in Kerala and continues to contribute to the empowerment of women across various fields.

Through her engagements, the President is expected to highlight the themes of education, women’s empowerment, interfaith harmony, and social reform — issues that resonate deeply with Kerala’s cultural and historical identity.

Diwali Greetings and Interaction with Prime Minister Modi

Ahead of her Kerala visit, President Murmu extended Diwali greetings to the nation through a message on social media. In her post on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Indians, both in India and across the world.”

She added, “This festival of joy is also an occasion for self-reflection and self-improvement. It is an opportunity to help and support the deprived and the needy, and to bring joy into their lives. I urge everyone to celebrate Diwali safely, responsibly, and in an environmentally friendly manner. May this Diwali bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to all.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan to exchange Diwali greetings. The President’s official handle shared a photograph of the meeting with the caption, “Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and shared Diwali greetings.”

Prime Minister Modi Celebrates Diwali with Soldiers

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi continued his long-standing tradition of celebrating Diwali with members of the Indian armed forces. This year, he visited the INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, stationed off the coast of Goa and Karwar. Addressing the Naval personnel, the Prime Minister said he felt “fortunate to celebrate the festival of lights with the brave soldiers who safeguard the nation.”

In his remarks aboard the aircraft carrier, he said, “Today, on one side I have infinite horizons, infinite sky, and on the other side I have this giant, INS Vikrant, embodying infinite powers. The glow of the sun’s rays on the ocean’s waters is like the Diwali lamps lit by brave soldiers.” The event reflected the Prime Minister’s emphasis on recognizing the service and sacrifice of India’s defense forces, especially during festive occasions.

Diwali: The Festival of Light and Renewal

Diwali, one of India’s most celebrated festivals, is observed over five days, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festivities begin with Dhanteras, when people purchase jewelry or utensils and offer prayers for prosperity. The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi — also known as Chhoti Diwali — commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.

The third day marks the main celebration, when homes across the country are illuminated with lamps and candles. Devotees perform Lakshmi Puja and Ganesh Puja, seeking blessings for wealth, wisdom, and harmony.

The fourth day is observed as Govardhan Puja, in remembrance of Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to protect the people of Vrindavan from torrential rains. The fifth and final day, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters perform a traditional Tika ceremony and pray for their brothers’ well-being, while brothers offer gifts in return.

As India marked Diwali with prayers, lights, and family gatherings, President Murmu’s message of compassion and social responsibility added a note of reflection to the celebrations. Her upcoming visit to Kerala — centered around spirituality, education, and cultural remembrance — mirrors the same spirit of light and renewal that Diwali represents.

The four-day tour, blending faith, reform, and national unity, is expected to reaffirm Kerala’s enduring role in India’s cultural and moral landscape — a state where devotion, education, and social consciousness continue to illuminate the path of progress.