Political leaders, prominent personalities greet Indians on Diwali

WASHINGTON/LONDON: A slew of political leaders, including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and other prominent personalities took to social media on Thursday to extend their greetings to Indians celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights.

Diwali or Deepavali is a five-day festival that marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

"May the light of Diwali remind us that from darkness there is knowledge, wisdom, and truth. From division, unity. From despair, hope," President Biden's office said in a tweet.

In a joint statement President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's Diwali carries even a deeper meaning.

“It is our honor to be the first president and first lady to light a diya together in the White House to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights that is observed by more than one billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists in the United States, India, and around the world,” they said.

"Like many cherished holidays during the pandemic, we know this year's Diwali carries an even deeper meaning. To those who have lost loved ones, we hope this sacred time provides comfort and purpose in their memory,” they said in the joint statement.

President Biden and Jill said thy were grateful to those who celebrate in America for making the traditions of Diwali part of America's story.

"For generations, you have opened your homes and hearts during Diwali to exchange gifts and sweets, host feasts with family and friends, and organize cultural programs in our communities – with prayers and dances, vibrant and colorful art, and sparklers and fireworks – that bring us all together,” the statement said.

“May the spirit of Diwali remind us that out of darkness there is light in knowledge, wisdom, and truth. From division, there is unity in common bonds of empathy and compassion. From isolation, there is community in the connections we share as we look out for one another and hope, dream, and believe in possibilities,” it said.

Read More at https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/political-leaders-prominent-personalities-greet-indians-on-diwali/articleshow/87529518.cms?