POONCH (Jammu and Kashmir): Jawans of the Indian Army’s Romeo Force celebrated Diwali away from their homes at an altitude of 8,000 feet in the hilly regions of the Pir Panjal Range on Wednesday.
The jawans of the force sang bhajans, distributed sweets, and lighted sparklers as they celebrated the festival of lights.
Visuals show a jawan performing aarti while another distributed laddoos. Away from their hometowns in the service of the nation, Army jawans also marked Diwali celebrations at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
They held Diwali pooja, danced, sang songs, and enjoyed firecrackers to mark the festival.
A jawan told ANI, “We are celebrating Diwali with our other family–the army jawans. We are far from our families.”
He added, “I appeal to my fellow countrymen not to worry about anything. Happy Diwali to all from the Indian Army. We are standing here, guarding the border.”
Another army jawan extended Diwali greetings to the nation, saying, “We want to assure our people that we are firmly standing at the LoC. Celebrate the festival with your families.”
He continued, “The Army is our home. We spend ten months here and take leave for the remaining two. We mix with the rest of the soldiers like our own family.
“Another jawan, visibly emotional, said, “We miss our families, but we are happy to be celebrating Diwali here. I want to tell my countrymen to celebrate Diwali at home.”
The nation is set to celebrate Diwali on October 31, with festivities beginning on Dhanteras. Known as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
The five-day celebration starts with Dhanteras and concludes with Bhai Dooj. Families decorate their homes with lamps, share sweets, and take part in joyous festivities, embodying unity and hope. (ANI)