India’s PM Modi celebrates Diwali with soldiers near Pakistan border

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with soldiers near the country’s border with Pakistan in Kashmir on Thursday (November 4), Reuters reported.

Modi planted trees, distributed sweets, and paid tribute to fallen soldiers in the Jammu and Kashmir state.

Diwali marks the return of the Hindu God Prince, Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Laxman, to his hometown of Ayodhya after 14-years of exile, defeating demon king Ravana.

According to Hindu scriptures, the residents of Ayodhya illuminated the whole city with millions of lamps and celebrated to welcome their rightful king, who brought prosperity with his reign, read the report.

According to the report India’s Border Security Forces (BSF) also exchanged sweets with their Pakistani and Bangladeshi counterparts at their respective borders to mark Diwali.

BSF soldiers exchanged sweets with Pakistani Rangers and Border Guards Bangladesh at the Attari-Wagah and Agartala borders.

The forces have been following the tradition of meeting at the borders and exchanging sweets on key festivals including Eid, Diwali, and other national holidays.