Joe Biden, Kamala Harris extend Diwali greetings, look forward to celebrating festival of lights at White House next year

In a joint statement, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said, “As Diwali is celebrated via video calls and while socially distanced this year, we look forward to celebrating Diwali at the White House next year – in person, together with you, and in a nation healed and united”. Continue reading Joe Biden, Kamala Harris extend Diwali greetings, look forward to celebrating festival of lights at White House next year

Joe Biden on granting asylum to Sikhs, Hindus in Afghanistan

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden calls for granting asylum to persecuted Sikhs, Hindus in Afghanistan

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden stated, “I stand with the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan seeking safety for their families and the freedom to practice their faiths and urge the Department of State to consider the request for emergency refugee protection”. Continue reading Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden calls for granting asylum to persecuted Sikhs, Hindus in Afghanistan

Diwali at White House

President Donald Trump lights Diwali diya in White House for third consecutive year

For the third consecutive year, President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali, the popular Indian festival of lights, in the White House by lighting the ceremonial ‘diya’ (traditional lamp). Continue reading President Donald Trump lights Diwali diya in White House for third consecutive year

Swaminarayan Temple in Louisville

Swaminarayan Temple in Kentucky vandalized in “cowardly and unacceptable” act of hate

The Swaminarayan temple on Bardstown Road in Louisville was desecrated with repugnant messages of hate and black paint sprayed on the image of a deity – such a shocking act of sacrilege. Continue reading Swaminarayan Temple in Kentucky vandalized in “cowardly and unacceptable” act of hate

Diwali Celebration at Indian Embassy in Washington

Indian Embassy in Washington sparkles for Diwali

Ambassador Navtej Sarna said the “festival of Diwali has become emblematic of India abroad” and credited the diaspora for making it the best known of all Indian festivals lighting up mainstream America. Continue reading Indian Embassy in Washington sparkles for Diwali

DC Government Diwali Festival

Top DC Officials Celebrate Diwali at Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art

DC Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Hyesook Chung said, “I’m so proud to work with Mayor Muriel Bowser and an administration focused on bringing light, to create a city that is more inclusive for people of all backgrounds”. Continue reading Top DC Officials Celebrate Diwali at Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art

Diwali at White House

White House Aglow as President Obama Celebrates Diwali

President Obama noted how Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, here in America and around the world, will celebrate Diwali by lighting ‘diyas’, or lamps, which symbolize the victory of light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Continue reading White House Aglow as President Obama Celebrates Diwali