Diwali 2024: Heartfelt Wishes from Biden, Harris and Trump – Check out their messages

If Diwali Celebrations take place in India around the world, prominent leaders from the United States have expressed their heartfelt wishes to the South Asian community, highlighting the significance of the festival and its themes of light and hope. Through personal messages and official posts on X (formerly Twitter), these leaders underscored the cultural importance of the Festival of Lights.

President Biden’s message of unity

US President Joe Biden went to X to convey his wishes and said, “This Diwali, may we show the power in gathering light. The light of knowledge, of unity, of truth. The light for freedom, for democracy, for an America where anything is possible.”

Earlier this week, President Biden hosted the largest Diwali event in the history of the White House, welcoming around 600 prominent Indian Americans to celebrate.

The White House also shared on social media: “The Biden-Harris Administration wishes everyone celebrating the Festival of Lights a Happy Diwali!”

Earlier on October 29, the White House posted: “Happy Diwali from the White House! May we together demonstrate the power of gathering light.”

Vice President Harris celebrates with the community

Vice President Kamala Harris joined the festivities, posting on about ignorance and celebrating light over darkness. Happy Diwali to all who celebrate the Festival of Lights!”

At one Diwali event in Pennsylvania, governor of Minnesota Tim Walz honored the contributions of the South Asian communitypraising America’s diversity and reiterating the need to maintain an inclusive society. His heartfelt remarks resonated with many as he lit a diya, which embodied the festival’s message of hope.

Trump condemns violence against minorities in Bangladesh

In a contrasting message, former President Donald Trump, who is also a Republican presidential candidate, extended his Diwali greetings and condemned violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

He described the situation in Bangladesh as “barbaric” and indicative of a country in “total chaos.” Trump criticized President Biden and Vice President Harris for allegedly ignoring the plight of Hindus, stating, “Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus around the world and in America.”

He promised to “make America strong again” and protect Hindu Americans from what he called the radical left’s “anti-religion agenda.” Trump highlighted his past achievements and vowed to repeat his administration’s successes in economic growth and energy independence if re-elected.

He concluded with a festive message, wishing everyone a happy life Diwali and in the hope that the festival leads to ‘the victory of good over evil’.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the IMF are celebrating

The US State Department tweeted: “Diwali represents hope and renewal. Today we wish all who celebrate a joyful day of community, reflection, happiness and prosperity.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken added: “Diwali is more than just a festival; it is a powerful reminder of the values ​​we all cherish: patience, solidarity, kindness and unity.”

Gita Gopinath, the first deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), shared a moving video of the White House military band performing the prayer “Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare” as part of the Diwali celebrations. In her post, she noted, “Great to hear the White House Military Band playing Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare for Diwali. Happy Diwali!”

Google CEO Sundar Pichai also shared his Diwali greetings and said, “Wishing everyone a bright and joyful Diwali full of warmth and light!”

As leaders across the U.S. celebrate this auspicious occasion, the universal message of peace, unity and the triumph of light over darkness resonates deeply within the South Asian community and beyond.