US President Joe Biden on Tuesday said that he lit a "diya" (earthen lamp) to embrace the spirit of Diwali. Mr Biden shared a video of the festivities on X (formerly known as Twitter) and can be seen lighting a diya with US First Lady Jill Biden at the White House.
“Today, Jill and I lit the diya to symbolise Diwali's message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of hate and division. May we embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation – and reflect on the strength of our shared light," he posted.
Mr Biden's Diwali celebration video was widely acknowledged.
A user wrote, “Congratulations America, wish you strength and prosperity. Wish you good health.”
“Diwali as a festival spreads a lightning positiveness. Happy Diwali,” said a person.
“We pray for light, peace, unity and love” echoed a few on social media.
“May Diwali bring you hope and peace,” read a comment.
US Vice President Kamala Harris, who has Indian roots, also celebrated the festival of lights on Tuesday at her official residence.
During the event, she emphasised the significance of observing the festival of lights, especially in the current global context marked by the Israel-Hamas war.
“We celebrate Diwali at a time when there's a lot happening in our world. I think it's important that as we celebrate Diwali, which is about celebrating the light, we understand it is always in the context of understanding the contrast between light and dark moments” Ms Harris stated in her brief remarks to predominantly Indian American guests, as per a PTI report.
In India, people marked the festivities on November 12, Sunday.
Featured Video Of The Day
Secret Service "Needs More Help": Biden After Trump Assassination Bid UK PM In US For Talks With Joe Biden On Ukraine Missile Use Against Russia Biden To Host PM Modi, Other Leaders For Quad Summit On September 21 9 Dead, 2,800 Hurt As Pagers Explode Across Lebanon, Hezbollah Blames Israel 'Pager Bombs' Target Hezbollah In Lebanon. What We Know So Far - 5 Points IndiGo Flight Tailstrike Leaves Huge Dent During Take-Off From Delhi Airport PM Modi To Visit US For Quad Summit, Attend UN Assembly From September 21-24 Ground Report: Central Forces' Canteens Open To Public In Violence-Hit Manipur Air India To Give $400 Million Makeover To Over Half Of Its Fleet Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.