PM Modi continues tradition of celebrating Diwali with soldiers, joins soldiers at INS Vikrant

STC NEWS DESK
PANAJI (GOA), OCTOBER 20 (STC): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday visted the 262 mtr long INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa and Karwar this year to celebrate the festival of Diwali with soldiers.
The PM interacted with the soldiers and said he was fortunate to celebrate the festival of lights with the Naval personnel.
“Today, on one side I have infinite horizons, infinite sky, and on the other side I have this giant, INS Vikrant, embodying infinite powers. The glow of the sun’s rays on the ocean’s waters is like the Diwali lamps lit by brave soldiers,” he said in his address to the soldiers.
Last year PM Modi celebrated Diwali with armed forces near the Indo-Pak border in Kutch.
Remarkably, Diwali is a five-day festival that starts on Dhanteras. On Dhanteras, people purchase jewellery or utensils and worship the Gods. The second day is called Naraka Chaturdashi. It is also known as Chhoti Diwali, or Small Diwali.
The third day of Diwali is the main day of the celebrations. People worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on this day, offering prayers to bless them with wealth and prosperity.
The fourth day of Diwali is devoted to Govardhan Puja. The fifth day is called Bhai Dooj. On this day, sisters pray for their brothers to have long and happy lives by performing the Tika ceremony, and brothers give gifts to their sisters.
(Inputs from Agencies / Straight Talk Communications)