Diwali Celebrations on Line of Control: Soldiers and officers guarding the Line of Control (LOC) miles away from their homes celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, in the family tradition of the armed forces. Maintaining a high level of alertness and vigilance against enemy attempts to infiltration of terrorists from across the border, these soldiers light lamps and burst crackers on festive occasions.
An official said that we celebrate Diwali miles away from our homes. Army is like another big family for us. We celebrate Diwali with our fellow soldiers and officers as per our tradition.
Soldiers are on high alert on the border
The official said duty and celebration go hand in hand here as troops remain on high alert along the Line of Control to prevent any untoward incident from across the border. Another soldier patrolling the border said that we are on alert 24 hours on the border line. Celebration and duty go together.
We enjoy the festival with our soldiers in uniform from different parts of the country. Another soldier involved in the celebration was deployed on the surveillance grid, which was keeping an eye on every activity along the LoC with modern gadgets and equipment, so that there was no lapse in vigilance.
How is Diwali celebrated at LOC?
Celebrating Diwali for the people living in remote areas near the Line of Control (LOC), the Army celebrated Diwali with traditional enthusiasm and devotion at several places in Poonch and Rajouri districts. Diwali is celebrated with great pomp across the country.
People perform puja, perform rituals, decorate their homes with lamps, rangoli, ornaments and lights, enjoy delicious sweets and delicacies, wear new traditional clothes and much more.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on Diwali after killing Ravana and spending 14 years in exile. During this festival people worship Lakshmi, Ganesha and Kuber and pray for health, wealth and prosperity.