Barack Obama wishes Indians 'Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak' 11-02

Barack Obama wishes Indians 'Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak'

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 on 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.

Here is Obama's full message:

"For the Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists celebrating Diwali this weekend, the Festival of Lights reaffirms the things in life that matter most."

"Dancing, celebration, and good food remind us that life's greatest joys are the simple pleasures that come from spending time with people we love."

"Contemplation and prayer remind us that that people of all faiths have an obligation to perform seva, or service to others. And the flame of the diya or lamp, reminds us that light will ultimately triumph over darkness."

"Here in the United States, Diwali also reminds us that our nation is home to many faiths and traditions, and that our diversity makes us stronger, which is why I'm proud that this year Democrats and Republicans in Congress joined together for the first-ever celebration of Diwali on Capitol Hill.

"Over the last five years, 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."

Last Tuesday US lawmakers joined Indian-Americans for the first ever Diwali celebrations on Capitol Hill after the US Congress passed resolutions honouring the Indian festival of lights and celebrating the strong relationship between the US and India.

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President Obama's Diwali message 11-14

President Obama Marks Diwali

Today, President Obama wished a Happy Diwali to the Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists celebrating the holiday here at home and around the world.

Diwali is a time for gathering with family and friends, often marked with good food and dancing. It is also a time for prayer and reflection about those less fortunate. It is a testament to the compassion of these communities that so many of them have helped those that have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy.  

Many who observe this holiday will light the Diya, or lamp, which symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. As that lamp is lit, we should all recommit ourselves to bring light to any place still facing darkness. Earlier this year, we were reminded of the evil that exists in the world when a gunman walked into the Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and opened fire. In the wake of that horrible tragedy, we saw the resilience of a community that drew strength from their faith and a sense of solidarity with their neighbors, Sikh and non-Sikh alike. We also saw compassion and love, in the heroic actions of the first responders and the outpouring of support from people across the country. Out of a day of sadness, we were reminded that the beauty of America remains our diversity, and our right to religious freedom. 

In 2010, during an official visit to India, President Obama and the First Lady marked Diwali by participating in a candle lighting and performance at Holy Name High School in Mumbai.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance with children at the Diwali candle lighting and performance at Holy Name High School in Mumbai, India, Nov. 7, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama watches as First Lady Michelle Obama dances with students during a Diwali candle lighting and performance at Holy Name HIgh School in Mumbai, India, Nov. 7, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

In 2009, President Obama became the first president to participate in Diwali celebrations at the White House.

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