[ad_1]
On Monday, the White House hosted its largest-ever Diwali reception, which was also attended by several Indian-Americans from the Biden administration.
“We are honored to host you. This is the first ever Diwali reception of this magnitude at the White House. We have more Asian Americans than at any time in history, and we want to thank you for making Diwali celebrations a Joy is part of American culture,” U.S. President Joe Biden said at a White House reception celebrating Diwali.
Biden wishes Happy Diwali to the more than 1 billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists who celebrate this festival of lights in the U.S., India and around the world, and he thanked the Asian American community in the U.S. for making Diwali celebrations Happy part of American culture.
“As we host the official Diwali reception at the White House, we are honored to light up the diya surrounded by the most diverse members of government in American history – led by Vice President Kamala Harris, the first to become Vice President President’s Black and South Asian Americans.”
Biden thanked the incredible South Asian communities across the United States for their optimism, courage and empathy.
“South Asian Americans collectively reflect our soul as a nation, whether it’s helping us emerge stronger from this pandemic, building an economy that works for all, or serving and protecting our communities and our nation .”
As the world celebrates this gathering of light, he said, “as this community often experiences — there is always darkness lurking. American history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we were born equal and the harsh reality.” Never quite live up to it. By marking the victory of light over darkness, Diwali reminds us that each of us has the power to bring light to the world, both in America and around the world. “
“Through prayer, dance, fireworks and candy, Biden said, may all who observe Diwali enjoy the opportunity to celebrate and connect, feel community pride, and remember the power of the spotlight.”
In addition, US Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a White House address on the occasion of the Diwali celebrations. “The White House is the people’s home, and together our President and First Lady have created a place where every American can celebrate their honor and heritage,” she said.
Vice President Harris said that tonight, the Biden administration will join more than 1 billion people around the world to light “Dia” to celebrate the struggle of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness.
In addition, First Lady Jill Biden praised the Asian American community in the United States for “helping us light the way forward.”
“By perseverance, by faith, by love, I am grateful that these diyas have brought you to this home today. A home for all of you,” the first lady said.
Diwali is an auspicious festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Spectacular lights, firecrackers, irresistible traditional sweets and the exchange of gifts mark the festival.
While Hindus celebrate the festival to commemorate the return of Lord Rama after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana, for the Jains the festival has a spiritually uplifting nature as it marks the The Attainment of Nirvana or the Moksha of the Last Tirtankara (Mahavira).
According to the Indian lunisolar calendar, Diwali is often referred to as the “Festival of Lights” and lasts for five days, beginning in late Ashwin and ending in early Kartika.
Each day of the festival is associated with six different main stories. In North India, worshipping Ganesha and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is an important part of Diwali, symbolizing the arrival of prosperity and wealth.
[ad_2]
Source link