Washington. US President Donald Trump on Monday greeted all Americans on the festival of Diwali and described it as a symbol of the victory of light over evil and light over darkness. He described this festival as a time of introspection, harmony and revival. Trump’s wish, published on the White House website, read, “Today, I send my best wishes to every American celebrating Diwali – the “Festival of Light.” For many Americans, Diwali is an eternal reminder of the triumph of light over darkness.”
President Donald Trump further said, “It is also a time to celebrate community by bringing families and friends together, drawing strength from hope and embracing the enduring spirit. As millions of citizens light lamps and lanterns, we rejoice in the eternal truth that good always triumphs over evil. To every American who celebrates Diwali, may this celebration bring lasting peace, prosperity, hope and peace.”
Diwali holiday is celebrated in these cities of America
The popularity of Diwali, the festival of Indian culture and light, is continuously increasing across the world. Especially in America, Diwali is celebrated in a different way. It has received official recognition in many cities and states of America. Diwali is celebrated with great pomp in America’s famous city New York City. Diwali has been declared an official public holiday here from 2023. The New York State Assembly took this historic decision, thereby recognizing Diwali as a government holiday in an American city for the first time.
Additionally, several districts in New Jersey, such as Edison, South Brunswick and Jersey City, have also recognized Diwali holiday in schools. Due to the presence of a large Indian community here, programs like lighting of lamps and fireworks are also organized on the occasion of Diwali.
The excitement about Diwali is worth seeing in California too. Every year on the occasion of Diwali, large public celebrations called “Festival of Lights” are organized in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose. Although Diwali is not yet an official holiday here, the local administration and city council celebrate it as a cultural festival along with the Indian community.
Diwali celebrations are also very popular in Houston and Dallas in Texas, Chicago in Illinois, and Atlanta in Georgia. The Indian American community in these cities organizes grand Diwali fairs, concerts and light shows every year in temples and community centres. In the US capital Washington DC, the tradition of celebrating Diwali was started at the White House for the last few years.