As a goodwill gesture, on the occasion of Diwali, troops of paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF) stationed along the India-Bangladesh border at Akhaura exchanged sweets with their Bangladeshi counterpart.
BSF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) B S Tolia, gave sweet boxes to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) official Saifur while greeting them on the occasion of Diwali to be celebrated today.
"We have Diwali tomorrow and so exchanging sweets. We exchange sweets at various levels like - BOP (border out post), commandant and sector level. During Eid also we exchange sweets. We have good cooperation and jointly conduct operations so that we can maintain peace on both sides of the border. This also brings closer both the forces," said DIG Tolia.
He also gave greetings to all residents of Bangladesh on behalf of BSF.
The gesture was equally reciprocated by BGB officials and jawans.
To enhance bilateral relations the exchange of sweets between India and Bangladesh along the border in Tripura border is an old and traditional gesture to show goodwill between the two nations and has been in practice for many years now. BSF and BGB exchange sweets and greetings on several occasions including Diwali, Eid, Holi, Independence Day and Republic Day.
More From This Section
Diwali also known as Deepawali or the 'festival of lights' is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year. It is believed that on this day Hindu god Rama had returned back to Ayodha after his victory over demon king Ravana.
The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.