Proud that Diwali was celebrated on Capitol Hill, says President.
By Deepak Chitnis
WASHINGTON, DC: President Barack Obama wished a happy Diwali to Indians around the world, keeping up a tradition of increased cultural and religious awareness that his administration has been practicing since it took office in 2009.
The President’s wishes, which came on Friday, was just a few days after Capitol Hill held its first ever official Diwali celebration. The event was the result of Congressional resolutions passed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and will hopefully become an annual tradition in Washington DC, especially as more Indians immigrate to the US.
“Here in the United States, Diwali also reminds us that our nation is home to many faiths and traditions, and that our diversity makes us stronger, which is why I’m proud that this year Democrats and Republicans in Congress joined together for the first-ever celebration of Diwali on Capitol Hill,” said Obama during his Diwali address.
“Over the last five years, Michelle and I have been honored to have the chance to observe this ancient holiday, both at the White House and in India, and we wish all those celebrating this weekend a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak,” he added.
The White House first commemorated the festival of lights in 2003, under then-President George W. Bush, who gave brief remarks extolling the traditions of Diwali and the lessons it teaches.
In 2009, President Obama celebrated Diwali with a small candle-lighting ceremony under the supervision of a Hindu priest. And in 2011, the US Senate passed a resolution recognizing Diwali as a significant holiday for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs across the US.
To contact the author, email to deepakchitnis@americanbazaaronline.com