Published 15:43 IST, October 26th 2019
U.S. Embassy in India organises Diwali celebrations in New Delhi
The U.S. Embassy in India organised Diwali celebrations. In the video posted by the embassy on Twitter, the employees can be seen dancing on a popular song.
As Diwali celebrations begin across India, the U.S. embassy in New Delhi also shared a glimpse of their Diwali Party celebrations. The employees of the embassy can be seen dancing on a popular Bollywood song in the short clip shared by the Embassy.
President Trump extends wishes
On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, United States President Donald Trump on October 25 extended his wishes to everyone observing the festival of light. In a statement released by the White House, he wished a “blessed and happy celebration” "to those observing the Festival of Lights". The statement further added, “We pray that this year's observance brings love, joy, and eternal peace”.
“As Diwali commences, Melania and I wish those observing the Festival of Lights a blessed and happy celebration. For many Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists in the United States and around the globe, this sacred period is an opportunity to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Throughout this holy time, members of these faiths engage in prayer, light diyas, and lanterns, and partake in traditional feasts and other festivities with friends and family."
Diwali celebrations at the Oval office
President Trump also celebrated Diwali on October 24 in the Oval Office with a small group of Indian-Americans where they marked the festival with the ceremonial lighting of a Diya. This Diwali marks his third Diwali celebrations at the White House, a tradition that began with his predecessor Barack Obama.
The US President celebrated his first Diwali at the White House back in 2017 in the presence of a select group of Indian-American community leaders and members of his administration. Last year, he also invited the Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Singh Sarna, to celebrate Diwali in the Roosevelt room.
Updated 16:59 IST, October 26th 2019