Srinagar, Nov 04 (KNS): Diwali-the festival of lights was celebrated with traditional and religious fervor and gaiety across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday with people praying for peace and prosperity after the recent wave of grief  which had engulfed Jammu and Kashmir.

With the fall of dusk, in Jammu region and some parts of Kashmir the noise of firecrackers grew loud as people especially the children and youngsters started illuminating their homes with “diyas” and electrical strings of lights. Mostly “green crackers” were illuminated for two hours from 8pm till 10pm as per the directions of Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee(PCC).

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today celebrated the festival of lights with the soldiers deployed in Nowshera sector of Rajouri. PM Modi extended blessings to the soldiers and applauded the sacrifices of soldiers who work around the clock to keep the country safe.

Besides, the temples in Jammu and Kashmir also witnessed heavy rush and the temples were illuminated with earthen diyas and the people were observing physical distancing and other anti-COVID norms.

Army and other security personnels also observed diwali with enthusiasm at their locations along the border with candle lights and diyas at various places. As a peace gesture, both India and Pakistan on Thursday exchanged sweets and greet each other on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.

Extending the Diwali greetings to the people, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said,”May this joyous occasion bring joy, happiness, peace and prosperity to the people”.

Deepawali, the festival of lights is a harbinger of joy, happiness and prosperity. “It is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and of hope over despair. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and reflects the true spirit of our composite culture”, Lt Governor said. (KNS)