Diwali is being celebrated with grandeur in the US. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris led the festivities forward of the US Presidential elections scheduled for November 5. Temples and iconic landmarks throughout the nation are lit up for the event.
“This Diwali, might we present the ability within the gathering of sunshine. The sunshine of information, of unity, of fact. The sunshine for freedom, for democracy, for an America the place something is feasible,” Joe Biden posted on X.
Earlier this week, Joe Biden hosted the most important Diwali occasion held on the White Home, inviting round 600 distinguished Indian Individuals nationwide.
The White Home Diwali occasion additionally honoured the contributions of Indian Individuals to strengthening US-India relations. US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti praised the occasion, highlighting Diwali’s significance and the precious contributions of the Indian American neighborhood.
In the meantime, in his Diwali greetings on Thursday, former president Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, condemned current assaults on Hindus in Bangladesh. He pledged to strengthen ties with India and referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a detailed pal.
“Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus the world over and in America. They’ve been a catastrophe from Israel to Ukraine to our personal Southern Border, however we’ll Make America Sturdy Once more and produce again Peace by means of Power,” he stated.
“We may also shield Hindu Individuals towards the anti-religion agenda of the novel left. We are going to struggle in your freedom. Underneath my administration, we may also strengthen our nice partnership with India and my good pal, Prime Minister Modi,” Trump stated.
“Additionally, Completely happy Diwali to All. I hope the Pageant of Lights results in the Victory of Good over Evil,” stated the previous president, who’s in a detailed struggle with Harris for the November 5 elections.
What US leaders stated on Diwali
US Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris shared her Diwali needs, acknowledging that individuals throughout the US and the world are lighting diyas to honour the triumph of fine over evil.
“Tonight, we be a part of greater than 1 billion individuals throughout America and around the globe lighting diyas and celebrating the struggle for good over evil, information over ignorance, and lightweight over darkness,” Harris stated in a submit on X from her marketing campaign path.
Though Harris has hosted Diwali occasions at her residence for a number of years, she couldn’t accomplish that this 12 months as a result of her marketing campaign schedule.
Secretary of State Tony Blinken highlighted the importance of Diwali, noting that it symbolizes the victory of sunshine over darkness and the triumph of fine over evil.
“It serves as a reminder of the flexibility of each one among us to deliver extra mild into our communities. We have a good time alongside households and pals all around the globe – together with thousands and thousands of individuals right here in the US – who’re gathering collectively, sharing sweets, adorning properties, and lighting diyas,” he stated.
Blinken additionally emphasised the significance of spiritual freedom, saying, “Reflecting on the energy that range brings our nation, we additionally take this event to reiterate the significance of freedom of faith or perception for all individuals in every single place.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz participated in Diwali celebrations on the Bharatiya Temple in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, the place he took half in a diya lighting ceremony and acquired a blessing.
“Completely happy Diwali to everybody. It is a privilege for me to be with you on this special occasion, a privilege to face amongst you. You may really feel the sense of neighborhood right here. You may really feel the sense of affection. You may really feel the sense that there’s something larger than all of us,” Walz stated.
Walz praised the South Asian neighborhood, expressed assist for Kamala Harris as “the subsequent president of the US,” and prolonged needs for a peaceable Diwali. He additionally talked about Harris’ plans to assist South Asian American households and enterprise homeowners.
Walz was welcomed by Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija, the primary Asian American County Commissioner in Pennsylvania’s historical past, together with Atul Sangal, a board member on the Bharatiya Temple, and Priest Sri Seshasai Rompicharla.
IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath shared a video that includes the White Home navy band enjoying “Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare” as a part of Diwali celebrations.
In her submit, she talked about, “Great to listen to the White Home navy band play Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare for Diwali. Completely happy Diwali.”
The video confirmed the White Home adorned with marigold flowers, with many visitors wearing conventional Indian apparel.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared his Diwali greetings, saying, “Wishing everybody a vibrant and joyful Diwali crammed with light and heat!”
