AGARTALA, Aug 15 (TIWN): On the occasion of the 70th Independence Day celebrations, troops of the Border Security Force (BSF), stationed along the India-Bangladesh border at Akhaura exchanged sweets with their Bangladeshi counterpart as a gesture of good will.

Commandant of the BSF exchanged sweets with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) official as a part of celebration on the occasion of 70th Independence Day.

Exchanging sweets with the counterparts is a gesture of good will. As Tripura is celebrating 70th Independence Day, on this happy occasion BSF have given sweets to the border guards of friendly neighbour Bangladesh at the Agartala check post.  This is done to boost the bonding between the BSF and BGB.

However, the gesture was equally reciprocated by BGB officials and jawans.

To enhance bilateral relations, exchange of sweets between the two countries along the border is an old and traditional gesture to show goodwill between the two nations and has been in practice for many years now.

BSF officials gave sweet boxes to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) official while the BGB officials greeted them on the occasion of Independence Day, which is celebrated nationwide on Monday.

It’s the grand occasion of Independence Day; so they exchange sweets. We exchange sweets at various levels like – BOP (border out post), commandant and sector levels, and said BSF offcial.

The exchange of sweets between India and Bangladesh along the border is a traditional practice aimed at improving bilateral relations.

Apart from Independence Day, BSF and BGB exchange sweets and greetings during various festivals like Diwali, Eid, Holi, Republic Day.

The Aukhaura check post was decorated with national flag the occasion of the grand celebrations of Republic Day.

India celebrates its 70th Independence Day on 15 August 2016. The country became independent from British colonialism on this day in 1947. The day is celebrated with great fervour across every state of the country, with the capital city Delhi becoming the hub of all celebrations. India's Independence Day celebrations officially took place at the Red Fort.

Although India's freedom struggle has become history today, 15 August still holds great significance in the hearts of millions of people of the country. Most Indians celebrate the national holiday with family get-togethers and by attending patriotic events.

The national flag is hoisted by the prime minister of India on the ramparts of the Red Fort, Delhi, followed by a speech. A national holiday is observed throughout the country with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural events and parades.