US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden celebrated Diwali at the White House on Sunday lighting a ‘Diya’ to “symbolize Diwali’s message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over darkness of hate and division.”
Sharing a video of the first couple celebrating Diwali at The White House, Biden wrote on X, “Over the course of generations, South Asian Americans have woven Diwali traditions into the fabric of our nation – symbolizing the message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of ignorance, hate, and division.
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“It’s a message that has helped our nation emerge stronger from the past few difficult years, and matters now more than ever,” he wrote. “On this Diwali, may we reflect on the strength of our shared light and embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation.”
“To the more than one billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists celebrating in America and around the world, we wish you a happy Diwali,” Biden added.
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The message posted on X, formally Twitter, on Nov 12 has since gone viral with over 2.1 million views.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a message on Monday extended “warm wishes for a joyous Diwali to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain communities observing the festival in the United States and around the world.”
“Diwali represents a time of joy and renewal, celebrated through traditions that include lighting diyas, decorating homes with rangoli, and sharing sweets with family and friends,” he stated.
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“Diwali is also a reminder of the strength that the United States draws from the diversity that makes up our nation, as well as the importance the United States places on safeguarding religious freedom at home and abroad,” Blinken stated.
“Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating this Festival of Lights in the United States and around the world. I wish you and those you love peace, prosperity, and health.”
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Earlier on Nov 8, Vice President Kamala Harris continued the tradition with an early Diwali reception at her official residence, Naval Observatory, in Washington DC. The event saw influential figures from the Indian and South Asian communities coming together for a grand celebration.