How security forces across India celebrated Diwali & marked the festival on the line of duty

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, continued his tradition of celebrating Diwali with the Indian Army. He visited the Jawans in Alepcha, Himachal Pradesh and expressed his gratitude how the soldiers are guarding the border areas while being away from their families on the biggest of festivals.

Republic spoke to many such soldiers who are celebrating Diwali with the Army Brethren at various locations across the country.

In Baramulla, soldiers celebrated Diwali with Puja and firecrackers and shared their experience with Republic.

"I feel good. We are away from our families but we are with our friends. It feels good. We will perform Puja soon and then celebrate with some firecrackers," a soldier said at Army Headquarters in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla.

ASI Yadav, who was overseeing security as IGI Airport in New Delhi also spoke to us and shared his thoughts on the festival while on duty. "I feel very good during Diwali. My kids could not come home for Diwali this year but I don't feel sad," he said.

Sub-Inspector Singh, also deployed at the IGI Airport, was slightly sad for not being at home with his family for Diwali but happily made the compromise for the nation. 

"I feel sad for not being with my family, but we are people in uniform. Country comes first for us. People come and wish us which makes us happy," the officer told Republic. 

In Kozhikode, Republic also spoke to Army Jawans who expressed their happiness despite celebrating Diwali away from their homes.