J-K: Indian Army Romeo Force celebrated Diwali with the locals in Rajouri district

Rajouri: The Indian Army’s Romeo Force Rashtriya Rifles battalion celebrated Diwali with locals in DKG Dehra Ki Gali of Tapa Pir and Manyal village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district.

The event, organised by the Romeo Force RR battalion, saw widespread participation from villagers, including women, children, and the elderly. Soldiers distributed sweets to villagers, shared in the festive spirit, and interacted with locals, fostering bonds and trust.

On the occasion of Diwali, solar lights were installed in the village, illuminating homes and streets. A soldier told ANI, “We are proud to serve the nation and bring joy to the people. Diwali is a symbol of hope and unity.”

“We are grateful to the Indian Army for bringing light and happiness to our villages,” a local resident told ANI. Earlier in the day, soldiers of the Romeo Force celebrated Diwali away from their homes at an altitude of 8,000 feet in the hilly regions of the Pir Panjal Range.

The jawans sang bhajans, distributed sweets, and lit sparklers to celebrate the festival of lights. Stationed far from their hometowns in service to the nation, army jawans also marked Diwali at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. They held Diwali puja, danced, sang songs, and enjoyed firecrackers to mark the festival.

A jawan shared with ANI, “We are celebrating Diwali with our other family–the army jawans. We are far from our families.”The nation celebrates Diwali on October 31, with festivities beginning on Dhanteras. Known as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ Diwali symbolises 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 joyful festivities, embodying unity and hope