J-K: Army soldiers celebrate Diwali in Akhnoor

Akhnoor [Jammu and Kashmir], October 23 (ANI): As the festivities began with Dhanteras on Saturday, Indian Army soldiers posted along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector celebrated the auspicious festival by lighting oil lamps.

The Army Jawan are celebrating the festival far from their home.

The Jawans performed Lakshmi pooja, singing Lakshmi-Ganesh arti and also burst crackers on the occasion.

An Army jawan said, “I want to tell the countrymen not to worry and celebrate the festival with full joy.”
Col Iqbal Singh wishes a happy Diwali to all.

“I want to wish the countrymen a very happy Diwali and assure them that our soldiers are alert and are keeping a vigil on the border,” Col Iqbal Singh said.
The country is all set to celebrate Diwali with much fervour after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deepavali, popularly known as the festival of lights, is celebrated nationwide with great pomp. People perform puja, observe rituals, decorate their homes with diyas, rangoli, ornaments, and lights, enjoy delectable sweets and meals, dress in new traditional attire, and more.
Hindu mythology states that Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya on Diwali after slaying Ravana and spending 14 years in exile. People make wishes for health, wealth, and prosperity to the gods Lakshmi, Ganesh, and Kubera as part of the festival of lights.
With Dhanteras or Dhan Trayodashi as the first day and Bhai Dooj as the last, Diwali festivities last for five days. Govatsa Dwadashi signifies the beginning of Diwali in Maharashtra one day earlier. The festivities begin on October 21. Drik Panchang predicts that Diwali’s five days will start on October 22 and end on October 25.
According to the lunisolar Hindu calendar, Diwali is observed between the middle of October and November. According to Drik Panchang, here is a list of the five days of Deepavali. (ANI)