Amid the cold winds and constant vigilance along the Line of Control (LoC), soldiers stationed in the Kupwara and Baramulla sectors celebrated Diwali on Thursday said that although they are far from their families and they find comfort in the close bond they share with their fellow soldiers.
Surrounded by the dense forests and cold winds, these soldiers illuminated their remote posts with Diyas and festive lights, bringing warmth to the rugged terrain while keeping a vigilant watch over the nation’s borders.
At an army post in Kupwara, Hawaladar Rakesh Sharma, who has been stationed at the LoC in Tangdhar sector for the past 3 years, said that his team kept the spirit of Diwali alive.
“It is hard to be away from family during Diwali, but here, we have created our own family. We decorated our bunkers with whatever we had strings of lights, Diyas, and even makeshift lanterns,” he said.
Sharma said that lighting these lamps reminds us that no matter how dark or difficult the situation is, there’s always light and hope.
He also spoke of the emotional challenges the soldiers face during such festivals.
“I video-called my wife and kids before we began our celebrations here. Seeing them light diyas back home in Rajasthan gave me a sense of comfort, even though I miss them terribly. But when you are serving here, protecting those celebrations back home becomes the greatest joy,” he added.
Vikas Dhar, a local from Udhampur post in Machil sector said that growing up in Jammu cantonment board, I always celebrated Diwali with my friends, even though it’s not a traditional festival in my family.
“At LoC, it feels even more d. We are protecting the festival for millions of families across India, and that’s what gives us strength. When we light these Diyas, we pray not only for our families but for peace in this region,” he said.
For some soldiers, the festival brought back memories of home. Rifleman Pavan Kumar, stationed at a forward post in Kupwara, reminisced about his childhood celebrations.
“Back in my village in Himachal Pradesh, Diwali was the biggest festival. My mother would make sweets, and we spent the night bursting crackers,” he said.
Kumar said that at LoC, things are different. But lighting diyas with my brothers in arms makes me feel like carrying a piece of home with me. The cold up here is tough, but the warmth from these lamps and the friendship among us soldiers is what keeps us going,” he added.
Meanwhile local Army units had made special traditional Diwali treats, with a small feast arranged at both locations, including laddoos, barfis, and other sweets.
“We might not have the grandeur of city celebrations, but the spirit of Diwali is just as strong here. We share stories, light sparklers, and enjoy each other’s company,” said Havildar Nazir Ahmed from Baramulla, who is celebrating his third Diwali at the LoC in Uri sector.
Soldier Ananya Singh, who is posted in forward post in Kupwara said that Diwali is about the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness. Being here on the frontlines, you feel that symbolism even more, he said.
“Every diya we light represents our commitment to safeguarding the peace and security of our country. It’s a humbling experience to celebrate this festival in such a unique way,” Singh said, who is hailing from Amritsar.
Till late evening, soldiers continued celebrations and later continued their duties, patrolling the borders and maintaining a close watch on the LoC.
Meanwhile Indian Army’s Romeo Force Rashtriya Rifles battalion celebrated Diwali with locals in DKG Dehra Ki Gali of Tapa Pir and Manyal village in Rajouri district.
It witnessed participation from villagers, including women, children, and the elderly. Later Soldiers distributed sweets to villagers, shared in the festive spirit, and interacted with locals, fostering bonds and trust.
The jawans sang bhajans, distributed sweets, and lit sparklers to celebrate the festival of lights.
Chinar Corps Spokesman in a post on X said that “Chinar Corps warmly extends Diwali wishes filled with joy, prosperity and light to all Ranks, Families, Veterans, Veer-Naris and the vibrant populace of Kashmir. “May this festival of lights bring lasting peace, happiness and abundant blessings to all,” he said.
The spokesman said that “Diwali Illuminates our lives with Peace, Unity and Hope. The Gleam of Diyas shine as a symbol of Compassion, drawing us closer together in Harmony and Love for Humanity.”
Diwali is the biggest festival and it is also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’. It is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
