Biden Illuminates Diwali Spirit: Lights Diyas with Wife Jill, Championing Love and Unity – News18

US President Joe Biden shared a video of himself and First Lady Jill Biden lighting diyas to celebrate Diwali, marking the festival of lights. In a message on X, he wrote a Diwali message, empasising the path of “wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of hate and division”

“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,” Biden said.

On Monday, US State Secretary Antony Blinken also extended warm wishes for a Diwali to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain communities. “Diwali represents a time of joy and renewal, celebrated through traditions that include lighting diyas, decorating homes with rangoli, and sharing sweets with family and friends,” he said. “Diwali is also a reminder of the strength that the US draws from the diversity that makes up our nation, as well as the importance the United States places on safeguarding religious freedom at home and abroad,” Blinken said.

In a heartfelt Diwali message on November 12, Biden earlier praised the contribution of South Asian Americans in the US. He said, “Over the course of generations, they have woven Diwali traditions into the fabric of our nation – symbolising the message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of ignorance, hate, and division.” Last week, US Vice President Kamala Harris celebrated Diwali at her official residence during which she told the guests that it’s important to celebrate this festival of light as the world today is facing a “difficult and dark moment” in the wake of 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,” Harris said quoted as saying by PTI.  She made these remarks while addressing the guests who were predominantly Indian Americans.