Earlier this week, Joe Biden hosted the largest Diwali event held at the White House, inviting around 600 prominent Indian Americans nationwide.
Diwali is being celebrated with grandeur in the United States. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris led the festivities ahead of the US Presidential elections scheduled for November 5. Temples and iconic landmarks across the country are lit up for the occasion.
“This Diwali, may we show the power in the gathering of light. The light of knowledge, of unity, of truth. The light for freedom, for democracy, for an America where anything is possible,” Joe Biden posted on X.
Earlier this week, Joe Biden hosted the largest Diwali event held at the White House, inviting around 600 prominent Indian Americans nationwide.
The White House Diwali event also honoured the contributions of Indian Americans to strengthening US-India relations. US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti praised the event, highlighting Diwali’s significance and the valuable contributions of the Indian American community.
Meanwhile, in his Diwali greetings on Thursday, former president Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, condemned recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. He pledged to strengthen ties with India and referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a close friend.
“Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own Southern Border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength,” he said.
“We will also protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religion agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom. Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi,” Trump said.
“Also, Happy Diwali to All. I hope the Festival of Lights leads to the Victory of Good over Evil,” said the former president, who is in a close fight with Harris for the November 5 elections.
What US leaders said on Diwali
US Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris shared her Diwali wishes, acknowledging that people across the US and the world are lighting diyas to honour the triumph of good over evil.
“Tonight, we join more than 1 billion people across America and around the world lighting diyas and celebrating the fight for good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness,” Harris said in a post on X from her campaign trail.
Although Harris has hosted Diwali events at her residence for several years, she could not do so this year due to her campaign schedule.
Secretary of State Tony Blinken highlighted the significance of Diwali, noting that it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil.
“It serves as a reminder of the ability of each and every one of us to bring more light into our communities. We celebrate alongside families and friends all around the world – including millions of people here in the United States – who are gathering together, sharing sweets, decorating homes, and lighting diyas,” he said.
