Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali in Himachal Pradesh’s Lepcha today, continuing his annual tradition of spending the festival with security personnel. Wearing a military dress, the Prime Minister shared images of his visit on his social media handle X.
Reached Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces. pic.twitter.com/7vcFlq2izL
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2023
In the photos, he can be seen engaging with security personnel and expressing gratitude for their dedication, acknowledging their sacrifices away from family. Modi praised the unwavering courage of the armed forces stationed in challenging terrains, emphasizing their role in ensuring the nation’s safety.
Spending Diwali with our brave security forces in Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh has been an experience filled with deep emotion and pride. Away from their families, these guardians of our nation illuminate our lives with their dedication. pic.twitter.com/KE5eaxoglw
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2023
During a gathering with soldiers in Lepcha, the Prime Minister reminisced about his past Diwalis spent with security personnel at the borders. He remarked that his festival is wherever they are and highlighted his longstanding tradition of visiting soldiers on border posts, even before assuming the role of Prime Minister or Chief Minister.
The courage of our security forces is unwavering. Stationed in the toughest terrains, away from their loved ones, their sacrifice and dedication keep us safe and secure. India will always be grateful to these heroes who are the perfect embodiment of bravery and resilience. pic.twitter.com/Ve1OuQuZXY
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2023
Modi posted pictures of himself sharing sweets with the security personnel, emphasizing the significance of their service. He asserted that security posts where soldiers are stationed are akin to temples and mentioned that across the country, prayers are offered for soldiers during every Puja, with a diya lit in their honour in every home.
The Prime Minister has consistently spent Diwali with the armed forces since taking office. His previous celebrations include visits to Siachen Glacier in 2014, the Punjab border in 2015, the China border in Himachal Pradesh in 2016, and the Gurez sector in Kashmir in 2017. In 2018, he celebrated in Harsil, Uttarakhand, and in 2019, he was at Rajouri near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
For the 2020 Diwali, Modi visited Longewala in Jaisalmer, followed by Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir the following year. Last year, he celebrated Diwali in Kargil, maintaining his tradition of acknowledging and appreciating the dedication of the country’s security forces.