President Obama congratulates those celebrating Diwali festivities

President Obama congratulates those celebrating Diwali festivities

2010-11-05 00:31:32 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- President Barack Obama on Thursday congratulated Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, who in the U.S. and around the world will be celebrating the holiday of Diwali this Friday.

Diwali is the festival of lights, and is celebrated during a five day period. For Hindus, it is the year's most important festival as it is a national holiday in several countries, including India, Nepal, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Myanmar , Fiji , and Suriname.

"This is a day when members of some of the world's oldest religions celebrate the triumph of good over evil," Obama said. "Last year, I marked this holiday as many will this weekend – by lighting the Diya, or lamp. This lamp symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance."

Obama called Diwali a "time for celebration," but also a time for reflection.

"[Diwali is] a time when we must remember that there are always others less fortunate then ourselves. This holiday reminds us all that we should commit ourselves to helping those in need," the President added.

"For many, this is also a time to gather with family and to pray. To those celebrating Diwali in India, I look forward to visiting you over the next few days. And to all those who will celebrate this joyous occasion on Friday, I wish you, your families and loved ones Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak."

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