President Trump Celebrates Diwali at White House, Highlights Strong US-India Relations with PM Modi

US President Donald Trump participated in Diwali celebrations at the White House on Tuesday.

Washington:

US President Donald Trump participated in Diwali celebrations at the White House on Tuesday (local time) and extended his warm greetings to the people of India and Indian-Americans on the occasion.

During his remarks, the US President praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a "great person" and a "great friend", while emphasizing the importance of US-India relations in trade and regional peace.

BREAKING 🚨 President Trump just lit the diyas in celebration of Diwali. The Peace President 🙏

"Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade... He's very interested in that. Although we did talk a little while ago about let's have no wars with Pakistan. The fact that trade was involved, I was able to talk about that. And we have no war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing," Trump stated during the event.

"He's a great person, and he's become a great friend of mine over the years," the US President added.

#WATCH | Washington, DC | On the occassion of Diwali, US President Donald Trump says, "Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade... He's very interested in that. Although we…

Emphasizing the symbolic significance of the festival, President Trump said, "In a few moments, we'll light the diya as a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness... It's knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. During Diwali, the revellers recall ancient stories of enemies defeated, obstacles removed, and captives freed."

He further noted that the Diya's flame reminds everyone "to seek the path of wisdom and to work with diligence and to always give thanks for our many blessings."

Following his remarks, Trump lit the diyas to celebrate the festival at the White House.

Several senior officials from the Trump Administration attended the event, including FBI Director Kash Patel, ODNI Director Tulsi Gabbard, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai, Ambassador of India to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Ambassador of the US to India Sergio Gor.

A delegation of prominent Indian-American business leaders also participated in the ceremony, highlighting the growing engagement of the Indian diaspora in strengthening US-India relations.

The celebration at the White House underlines the cultural importance of Diwali in American society and the strong partnership between the United States and India.

Earlier, US Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced a bipartisan resolution in the US House of Representatives to recognize the religious and historical significance of Diwali, which began on October 20.

According to a press release, the resolution honors Diwali's cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to over three million Indian-Americans, including Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. It reflects the increasing recognition of the Indian diaspora's contributions to the US.

Diwali is a five-day festival that begins with Dhanteras, when people traditionally purchase jewelry or utensils and worship the gods.

The second day is called Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as 'Chhoti Diwali' or Small Diwali.

The third day marks the main Diwali celebration, when people worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, offering prayers for wealth and prosperity.

The fourth day is devoted to Govardhan Puja, while the fifth day, Bhai Dooj, sees sisters praying for their brothers' long and happy lives through the Tika ceremony, with brothers giving gifts to their sisters in return.