The White House held a private ceremony celebrating Diwali, where President Obama lit a traditional diya. The event was attended by 200 prestigious guests, including Nirupama Rao, Indian ambassador to the US, as well as many Indian-Americans.
"Diwali is a special holiday for millions across the country", said Obama, who became the first US president to join Diwali celebrations at the White House in 2009. "Michelle and I greatly enjoyed the occasion and the celebration in India last year," he said, recalling the Diwali festivities in Mumbai the first couple had joined during the president's first visit to India in November 2010. "Diwali is the time to celebrate victory of light over darkness, hope over despair. Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists consider the day sacred. The message of this day is truly universal," Obama said at the closed press event Friday.
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