President Barack Obama has wished Indians “a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak” saying the festival reminded Americans that the US “is home to many faiths and traditions, and that our diversity makes us stronger.”
That’s “why I’m proud that this year Democrats and Republicans in Congress joined together for the first-ever celebration of Diwali on Capitol Hill,” he said in a statement issued Friday on the observance of Diwali.
Over the last five years, Obama noted, his spouse “Michelle and I have been honoured to have the chance to observe this ancient holiday, both at the White House and in India, and we wish all those celebrating this weekend a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak.”
Like the previous years, the White House will have a Diwali celebration on Tuesday where “the First Lady will provide remarks.”
Obama has since 2009 kept up the tradition of White House Diwali celebrations started by President George W. Bush in 2003.
—IANS