Indian Army jawans celebrated Diwali with locals in Uri, located in the Baramulla sector near the Line of Control (LoC), marking the occasion with diyas, gifts, and sweets. The celebration fostered a warm exchange of greetings between the soldiers and villagers, strengthening bonds within the community. One local shared, “Our village is near the LOC. Today we celebrated Diwali with the Indian Army. Whenever it’s a festival, whether Diwali or Eid, they celebrate with us.”
In Gandhinagar, the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple will illuminate its grounds with 10,000 diyas as part of Diwali festivities. Jayesh Mandanka, a swayamsevak, said, “For the last 32 years, Akshardham Temple has been decorated like this every Diwali. This year, the lighting will continue until November 8, each evening from 6 pm to 7:45 pm.”
Adding to the celebrations, a 55-foot idol of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, crafted from ‘panchdhatu,’ will be installed at the temple with a Pranpratishtha ceremony scheduled for November 11. The temple has also created a glow garden, adding to the festive atmosphere for Diwali visitors.
