The President of United States Barack Obama celebrated Diwali at the White House by lighting the first ever diya in the Oval Office. He has hoped that the traditions would be continued by his successors. The US President lighted the first diya with few Indian Americans in his administration.

Obama was the first US President, who started to celebrate Diwali personally in 2009. He has written a Facebook post, which went viral on the social network, about his experiences of Diwali.

“I was proud to be the first President to host a Diwali celebration at the White House in 2009, and Michelle and I will never forget how the people of India welcomed us with open arms and hearts and danced with us in Mumbai on Diwali,” said Obama.

In his White House Facebook page, the US President further added, “This year, I was honored to kindle the first-ever diya in the Oval Office — a lamp that symbolizes how darkness will always be overcome by light. It is a tradition that I hope future Presidents will continue.”

Obama said, “On behalf of the entire Obama family, I wish you and your loved ones peace and happiness on this Diwali.”

The POTUS added, “To all who are celebrating the festival of lights across America and around the world, happy Diwali. As Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists light the diya, share in prayers, decorate their homes, and open their doors to host and feast with loved ones, we recognize that this holiday rejoices in the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.”

“It also speaks to a broader truth about our shared American experience. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when we see beyond the differences that too often divide us. It’s a reflection of the hopes and dreams that bind us together,” he has written.

The current Presidential nominee of the Democratic Party, Hillary Clinton also wished on the occasion of Diwali by producing a statement, Clinton said, “On Sunday, nearly a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists around the world — including more than two million Americans — will celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. For members of these faiths, lighting the lamp (the diya) is a reminder that light prevails over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil,” Clinton said. “Here in the United States, it is a tribute to the Indian American community that Diwali is celebrated with such beauty and joy. Regardless of our personal faith, Diwali reminds us that diversity is one of our greatest strengths as a nation, that light prevails over darkness, and that dharma — righteousness or goodness — must guide us toward a better tomorrow.”

She said, “If I have the honor of serving as president, I will be committed to building an Administration that reflects such diversity, including continuing White House celebrations of Diwali.”

“To those of you celebrating this joyous occasion, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak,” Clinton added in the statement.

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