President Barack Obama led the Diwali celebrations in the White House over the weekend by lighting what he called the first-ever ‘diya’ in the Oval Office.
“To all who are celebrating the festival of lights across America and around the world, happy Diwali,” he wrote in a Facebook post, noting: “This year, I was honored to kindle the first-ever diya in the Oval Office - a lamp that symbolizes how darkness will always be overcome by light. It is a tradition that I hope future Presidents will continue.”
“As Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists light the diya, share in prayers, decorate their homes, and open their doors to host and feast with loved ones, we recognize that this holiday rejoices in the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance,” he wrote, stressing how it also “speaks to a broader truth about our shared American experience”.
Recalling that he was proud to have been the first President to host a Diwali celebration at the White House in 2009, Obama went on to say: “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.”
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton also sent her greetings to the Indian-American community on the occasion. “To those of you celebrating this joyous occasion, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak,” she said in a statement.