Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
Interesting

Obama Lights Diya In Oval Office, Celebrates Last Diwali As US President

Darpan News Desk IANS, 31 Oct, 2016 11:31 AM
    US President Barack Obama celebrated Diwali by lighting the first-ever diya in his Oval office at the White House. It was his last Diwali as US President and he hoped his successors would continue the tradition.
     
    "This year, I was honoured to kindle the first-ever diya in the Oval Office -- a lamp that symbolizes how darkness will always be overcome by light," he said, according to a statement issued by the Embassy of US in India.
     
    "It is a tradition that I hope future Presidents will continue," he added.
     
    On behalf of the entire Obama family, the US President said: "I wish you and your loved ones peace and happiness on this Diwali," Obama posted on his official Facebook page (@potus), along with a picture of him lighting the diya, surrounded by a group of young Indian-Americans.
     
    The post became viral on social media as it got over 23,000 likes and it was shared more than 11,000 times.
     
    Obama is the first US President to celebrate Diwali personally in the White House since 2009.
     
    "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," he said.
     
    Obama has sent his greetings to all those celebrating Diwali across America and around the world.
     
    "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," said Obama.

    MORE Interesting ARTICLES

    Sushma Swaraj Does It Again, Helps Man Who Needed Visa For Father's Funeral

    Sushma Swaraj Does It Again, Helps Man Who Needed Visa For Father's Funeral
    "Our Embassy in US is closed for Vijaya Dashmi and Moharram. I have sent a message. We will open the Embassy and give visa to your son," Ms Swaraj tweeted.

    Sushma Swaraj Does It Again, Helps Man Who Needed Visa For Father's Funeral

    Dog Wins Best Dressed Competition For His 'Striking Resemblance' To Trump

    Dog Wins Best Dressed Competition For His 'Striking Resemblance' To Trump
    A dog has won the first place in the UK's best dressed competition after his dress sense and hairdo had "striking resemblance" to Republican nominee Donald Trump.

    Dog Wins Best Dressed Competition For His 'Striking Resemblance' To Trump

    Girls Spend 160 Million More Hours Than Boys Doing Household Chores Everyday

    Girls Spend 160 Million More Hours Than Boys Doing Household Chores Everyday
    Girls globally spend 160 million hours each day more than boys doing household chores like washing clothes, bringing firewood and cooking, Unicef said on Wednesday.

    Girls Spend 160 Million More Hours Than Boys Doing Household Chores Everyday

    Oregon Bakery Shop Accused Of Racism Over Oreo Cupcake Named 'Mr. President'

    Oregon Bakery Shop Accused Of Racism Over Oreo Cupcake Named 'Mr. President'
    PORTLAND, Ore. — A Portland bakery is being accused of racism for selling an Oreo cupcake they named "Mr. President."

    Oregon Bakery Shop Accused Of Racism Over Oreo Cupcake Named 'Mr. President'

    Australia-Based Devotee Donates Rs. 20 Lakh Gold Crown To Saibaba Shrine In Shirdi

    Australia-Based Devotee Donates Rs. 20 Lakh Gold Crown To Saibaba Shrine In Shirdi
    The crown, adorned with multi-coloured gems, is estimated to be worth over Rs. 20 lakh, officials of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust said.

    Australia-Based Devotee Donates Rs. 20 Lakh Gold Crown To Saibaba Shrine In Shirdi

    Police Looking For Owner Of 100 Goats Spotted Wandering Ontario Road

    Police Looking For Owner Of 100 Goats Spotted Wandering Ontario Road
    GEORGINA, Ont. — Police in southern Ontario say they're looking for the owner of a wayward herd of about 100 goats.

    Police Looking For Owner Of 100 Goats Spotted Wandering Ontario Road