Kerry lits diya to celebrate first ever Diwali at State Dept

Amidst chanting of Vedic mantras and lighting of the traditional 'diya' by none other than US Secretary of State John Kerry, Diwali – the festival of lights - was celebrated for the first time at the State Department.

"As the days grow shorter, the Diwali reminds us that spring always returns – that knowledge triumphs over ignorance, hope outlasts despair, and light replaces darkness. Diwali is a time for the revitalization of mind and spirit," said Kerry who was joined by Indian Ambassador S Jaishankar.

"It affords a chance to reflect on how we can bring light to others. It is an opportunity for us all, regardless of our own traditions, to renew a shared commitment to human dignity, compassion, and service – and it is a commitment, I think, at the heart of all great faiths," he said.

Some 300 guests, including a large number of eminent Indian-Americans and envoys from other South Asian countries, were present to celebrate Diwali for the first time at the State Department's historic Benjamin Franklin room, which was lit with many small diyas and candles.

The top Indian-American US officials including Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal and USAID Administrator Raj Shah were also present.

"We worked hard to prove that we were, in fact, natural partners, which I believe we are. We are two optimistic nations who believe that history doesn’t shape us, but that we have the power to shape history. And that spirit of hope and optimism is really at the center of the Diwali celebration," Kerry said and greeted people with Saal Mubarak.

The guests were served with the traditional Indian dishes – including sweet dishes like Jalebi, Gulab Jamun, different varieties of burfi, kaju katli and kheer.

Some of the dishes were in fact were made inside the State Department kitchen, while other dishes were procured from a popular Indian restaurant in Washington DC.

It was also one of the rarest occasions that no alcohol was served. It was all soft drinks, juices and not to miss the traditional mango 'lassi'.

Diwali was the only major world festival, which was missing from the State Department’s celebration of festivals.

"I want to thank all of you for joining us at the State Department’s first ever Diwali celebration. I guarantee you it will not be our last," Kerry said amidst applause.

President Barack Obama yesterday greeted Happy Diwali to all those who were celebrating the festival of lights.

In 2009, Obama became the first US president to celebrate the Diwali.

Celebration of Diwali at the State Department is also reflective of the emergence of the strong three million Indian Americans, many of whom have reached top positions in the Obama Administration, and also strengthening of India-US ties, in which people-to-people have played an important role.

"When I first served in Washington DC three decades ago, it would have been hard to imagine a gathering like this that too hosted by the Secretary of State. That it takes place says much to our relationship today as it does indeed for our societies," said Jaishankar in his remarks.

Introducing the Ambassador to the audience, Kerry said Jaishankar is one of the leading members of the diplomatic corps in Washington, a distinguished public servant.

"He is a terrific representative of his country. He’s also a passionate advocate for the stronger ties between the United States and India," Kerry said.

Observing that Diwali is the most widely celebrated festival in India, Jaishankar said the festival of lights represents a sense of renewal.

"The visit of Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has certainly provided a new beginning (to Indo-US ties)," he said, adding by celebrating Diwali at the State Department, Kerry has raised the bar of relationship even higher.

Priest Narayanachar l Digalakote from the Sri Siva Vishnu temple in a Washington DC suburb in Maryland presided over the ceremonial lighting and presented Kerry with a traditional shawl.

"Priest Narayanachar helps to lead one of the largest Hindu temples in the US at Sri Siva Vishnu, and it’s difficult to believe that this is a community that began with only a few recent Indian immigrants who celebrated occasions like this one in their own homes.

"And less than four decades later, the temple not only serves as a spiritual home for thousands of Hindu Americans, but it provides support and outreach for people of all backgrounds and beliefs," Kerry said.

Kerry said South Asian diaspora is a pillar of every aspect of American society.

South Asians sit in the executive suites of some of the country’s most successful companies, or at the very helm of all of them, he said.

"They launch startups and earn graduate degrees at several times the national average. They are a driving force behind American leadership and science and innovation and in the history of our nation – and we are a nation of immigrants – it is hard to find any group of Americans who have achieved more in such a relatively short period of time," Kerry said.