Diwali 2024: Heartfelt wishes from Biden, Harris and Trump – check out their messages

As Diwali celebrations take place in India around the world, prominent leaders from the United States expressed their heartfelt wishes to the South Asian community, emphasizing the significance of the festival and its theme of light and hope. In private messages and official posts on X (formerly Twitter), these leaders emphasized the cultural significance of the Festival of Lights.

President Biden’s message of unity

US President Joe Biden reached out to X to convey his wishes, saying, “This Diwali, let us show strength in gathering light. The light of knowledge, unity, truth. Light for freedom, for democracy, for an America where anything is possible.”

Earlier this week, President Biden hosted the largest Diwali event in White House history, inviting nearly 600 prominent Indian Americans to the celebration.

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

Earlier on October 29, the White House posted a message: “Happy Diwali from the White House! Let us together manifest the power of gathering light.”

Vice President Harris celebrates with the community

Vice President Kamala Harris joined in the celebration, writing on X: “Tonight we join over 1 billion people across America and the world as they light diyas and celebrate the fight of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness. Happy Diwali. to everyone who celebrates the Festival of Lights!”

At a Diwali event in Pennsylvania, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz celebrated the contributions of the South Asian community, praising America’s diversity and reiterating the need to maintain an inclusive society. His heartfelt words resonated with many as he lit the diya, which embodies 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, congratulated Diwali and condemned violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

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

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

He concluded with a festive message, wishing everyone a Happy Diwali and hoping that the festival will lead to the “victory of good over evil”.

The State Department and the IMF joined the celebration

The US State Department tweeted: “Diwali symbolizes hope and renewal. Today we wish everyone celebrating a joyful day filled with 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 hold dear: patience, togetherness, kindness and unity.”

Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), shared a touching video of the White House military band performing the “Om Jai Jagdesh Hare” prayer as part of Diwali celebrations. In her post, she said, “Wonderful to hear the White House Military Band play Om Jai Jagdesh Hare on Diwali. Happy Diwali!”

Google CEO Sundar Pichai also shared his Diwali greetings, saying, “Wishing everyone a bright and joyful Diwali filled with warmth and light!”

As U.S. leaders mark 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.