A day after the United Nations(UN) celebrated Diwali by lighting its HQ building, on Monday, President of USA Barack Obama celebrated Diwali in the United States by lighting up the first-ever diya inside the Oval Office.
On the occasion of Diwali festival, Obama congratulated the Indian-Americans with a picture of him lighting up the diya with Indian-American representatives alongside him. Obama shared the post to millions of his followers on the social site Facebook.
The US President said that I was proud to be the first President to host a Diwali celebration at the White House in 2009, and Michelle and I will never forget how the people of India welcomed us with open arms and hearts and danced with us in Mumbai on Diwali.
US President Obama said that To all who are celebrating the festival of lights across America and around the world, happy Diwali. As Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains light the diya, decorate their homes, share in prayers, and open their doors to host and feast with loved ones. We recognise that this holiday rejoices in the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
US Democratic nominee for President Hillary Clinton also took to social media to wish the people of India a very happy Diwali.
Hillary Clinton said that On Sunday, nearly a billion Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains around the world – including more than two million Americans – will celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights.
Clinton said that For members of these faiths, lighting the diya is a reminder that light prevails over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
She also said that here in the US, it is a tribute to the Indian American community that Diwali is celebrated with such joy and beauty. Diwali reminds us that diversity is one of our greatest strengths as a nation, that light prevails over darkness, and that dharma – righteousness or goodness – must guide us toward a better tomorrow.
