Jammu & Kashmir: Army soldiers celebrate the festival of Diwali in Akhnoor

Indian Army soldiers stationed along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor region celebrated Dhanteras by burning oil lamps as the festivities got underway.

I want to advise my fellow countrymen not to worry and to celebrate the celebration with all their heart, an Army Jawan stated. 

I want to wish my countrymen a happy Diwali and reassure them that our forces are on guard and keeping an eye on the border, Col. Iqbal Singh remarked.

The nation is prepared to celebrate Diwali with great excitement after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pujas are performed, rituals are held, diyas, rangolis, ornaments, and lights are used to decorate homes, mouthwatering feasts and desserts are devoured, new traditional clothing is worn, amongst many ways to celebrate.

As part of the festival of lights, people pray to the gods Lakshmi, Ganesh, and Kubera for good health, prosperity, and happiness. The five-day Diwali celebrations begin on Dhanteras, also known as Dhan Trayodashi, and end on Bhai Dooj.

In Maharashtra, Govatsa Dwadashi marked the beginning of Diwali one day earlier. October 21 marks the start of the festivities.

According to Drik Panchang the Hindu calender, Diwali will begin on October 22 and end on October 25.