How Different Regions of India Celebrated the Festival of Lights

From PM Modi to DM Nirmala Sitharaman, this is how Indian leaders celebrated Diwali

From Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s impromptu Gurez visit to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, many politicians chose to celebrate Diwali this year with the Indian troops and the marginalised sections of our society. The Prime Minister spent his fourth successive Diwali with jawans on the border.

PM Modi arrived at Gurez on Thursday morning unannounced and was there with the soldiers for two hours in the remote valley, which is close to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and has witnessed several gunfights with militants in the past few decades. Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior army officers were also present on the occasion. Modi offered sweets and exchanged greetings with jawans. The PM said like everyone else, he too wished to spend Diwali with his “family”. “I consider the jawans of the armed forces as my family,” Modi said, adding he gets new energy when he spends time among the jawans. The Prime Minister also appreciated their penance and sacrifice amid harsh conditions. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman too interacted with the troops and their families at Andaman and Nicobar’s Brichgunj Military Station on the occasion of Diwali. Appreciating the work being done by the troops in the challenging environment, Sitharaman urged them to continue their service to the nation.