President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris celebrated Diwali , the Festival of Lights , bringing together communities across the United States in a vibrant display of culture and unity . Temples and iconic landmarks were illuminated, reflecting the spirit of the festival.
In a heartfelt message on X, Biden expressed, “This Diwali, may we show the power in the gathering of 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, he hosted a record-breaking Diwali event at the White House, inviting around 600 prominent Indian-Americans from across the country.
Harris echoed these sentiments, saying, “Tonight, we join more than 1 billion people lighting diyas and celebrating the fight for good over evil.” Although she traditionally hosts a Diwali gathering at her official residence, her campaign schedule prevented her from doing so this year.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also shared his thoughts on Diwali, underscoring its significance as a time for reflection and community. “It serves as a reminder of our ability to bring more light into our communities,” he said, noting the importance of celebrating with families and friends around the world.
In Pennsylvania, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz celebrated Diwali at the Bharatiya Temple in Montgomery County, participating in a diya lighting ceremony. “Happy Diwali to everyone. It’s a privilege to stand amongst you and feel the sense of community,” he remarked, highlighting the contributions of Indian and South Asian communities to the fabric of American society.
Walz extended his best wishes for a peaceful Diwali, supporting Harris’s vision for a New Way Forward to assist South Asian American families. His visit was marked by a warm reception from local leaders, including Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija, the first Asian American to hold the position in Pennsylvania.
In a heartfelt message on X, Biden expressed, “This Diwali, may we show the power in the gathering of 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, he hosted a record-breaking Diwali event at the White House, inviting around 600 prominent Indian-Americans from across the country.
Tonight, we join more than 1 billion people across America and around the world lighting diyas and celebrating the fight for good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) October 31, 2024
Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating the Festival of Lights! pic.twitter.com/VhgCkjeieg
Harris echoed these sentiments, saying, “Tonight, we join more than 1 billion people lighting diyas and celebrating the fight for good over evil.” Although she traditionally hosts a Diwali gathering at her official residence, her campaign schedule prevented her from doing so this year.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also shared his thoughts on Diwali, underscoring its significance as a time for reflection and community. “It serves as a reminder of our ability to bring more light into our communities,” he said, noting the importance of celebrating with families and friends around the world.
In Pennsylvania, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz celebrated Diwali at the Bharatiya Temple in Montgomery County, participating in a diya lighting ceremony. “Happy Diwali to everyone. It’s a privilege to stand amongst you and feel the sense of community,” he remarked, highlighting the contributions of Indian and South Asian communities to the fabric of American society.
Walz extended his best wishes for a peaceful Diwali, supporting Harris’s vision for a New Way Forward to assist South Asian American families. His visit was marked by a warm reception from local leaders, including Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija, the first Asian American to hold the position in Pennsylvania.
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