Donald Trump president of the United States wished people across the world ahead of Diwali celebrations. He also celebrated the festival of lights in the Oval Office with a group of Indian-Americans. The event was closed for the press. Trump added that Diwali celebrations were an important reminder of the significance of the country’s commitment to religious liberty, which is one of America’s core tenets.
Sending Diwali greetings to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, Trump said that, “For many Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists in the United States and around the globe Diwali was 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.”
The President said, “My administration will continue to defend the rights enshrined in our Constitution that enable people of all faiths to worship according to their beliefs and conscience,” Trump added.
“As Diwali commences, Melania and I wish those observing the Festival of Lights a blessed and happy celebration,” said the US President.
This was Trump’s third Diwali celebrations at the White House, a tradition that began with his predecessor Barack Obama in 2009. Trump’s first Diwali celebrations at the White House was in his Oval Office in 2017 in the presence of a select group of Indian-American community leaders and members of his administration. Last year, Trump had invited the then Indian Ambassador Navtej Singh Sarna, for Diwali celebrations in the Roosevelt room.
Diwali is being celebrated in India on October 27 this year.
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