Several world leaders and foreign ambassadors have conveyed their wishes on the occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights, which is celebrated in India and by the Indian community around the world with great pomp and fanfare.
US President Joe Biden, who will step down in January next year after the November 5 election, has extended his Diwali greetings.
“This Diwali, may we show strength in the gathering of light. The light of knowledge, unity, truth. The light of freedom, of democracy, of an America where anything is possible,” he wrote on Twitter.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended his Diwali wishes and said it was “a time to come together” and “a moment to fix our eyes on the light that always triumphs over darkness”. He also posted a picture of himself celebrating Diwali at his 10 Downing Street residence.
“Happy Diwali to all celebrants across the UK, I wish you and your family a joyous celebration. This is a time of togetherness, abundance and welcome, and a moment to focus our eyes on the light that always triumphs over darkness,” he tweeted.
UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has conveyed his Diwali greetings by post in Hindi and hopes that the festival brings joy and warmth to everyone.
“Warm wishes to all who celebrate Deepawali in the UAE and around the world. May this festival of lights bring joy and peace to you and your loved ones and keep them safe forever. May the light in your hearts guide you to the path of harmony, compassion and unity. Happy Deepawali!” he said.
“May God bring joy and peace to you and your loved ones, and keep them safe always. May the light of your heart guide you to the path of harmony, compassion and unity. Happy Deepawali!” he added.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Diwali as a festival of joy, hope and unity and an incredibly beautiful celebration of faith and culture.
“It is with great pleasure that I send my best wishes to all who observe Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This annual festival of joy, hope and unity is an incredibly beautiful celebration of faith and culture – embraced by Australia’s diverse and vibrant community,” he said in a statement posted on X.
“In its celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, it affirms the ideals that inspire Australians from all walks of life. The customs and traditions of Diwali are in every way an expression of community, culture and values. A moment to enjoy the company of loved ones, and to reflect on the shared heritage of centuries of culture, ” he added.
“As families and friends gather in homes, parks, temples and community centers in our nation, may the bright lights of this precious festival bring you peace and happiness. To everyone celebrating, I wish you a happy Diwali,” he said.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz conveyed his Diwali greetings to his “friend” and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.
“My friend @DrSJaishankar, I wish you and the people of India a HappyDiwali2024! Israel and India share the values of democracy, freedom, and a vision of a bright future. May this Festival of Lights bring us all joy, prosperity, and peace. . Wishing you a very Happy Diwali, ” he said.
FOREIGN EMBASSIES EXTENDS DIWALI WISHES
Norway’s Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener, extended her Diwali wishes in both English and Hindi. “From all of us @norwayinindia #HappyDiwali2024 Happy Diwali to everyone,” he said while posting a video of Diwali celebrations.
Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, extended his Diwali wishes and wrote, “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my warmest greetings to my Indian friends and wish them happiness and prosperity from the bottom of my heart. Happy Diwali.”
Japan’s ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, conveyed his Diwali greetings and said, “Happy Deepawali to you, May the divine light guide us to health, happiness and prosperity.”
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti also extended his Diwali wishes on the occasion.
“This Diwali, Indians, and Americans across Mission India are sharing these dias that bring joy and blessings to all. Join us in the festivities as we celebrate the #FestivalofLights with music, dance, festive cheer, and a heart of gratitude. On behalf of the US Mission in India, I wish everyone a very Happy Diwali #CelebrateWithUS,” he said.
The British High Commission in India has conveyed its Diwali wishes through post X. “The memories we make with our family and friends, the bright colors of our rangolis, the warmth of #Diwali diyas – the significance of the festival of lights goes beyond India. Diwali happy for everyone who celebrates.”
The Israeli embassy in India also posted a video of its Diwali celebration and wrote, “Happy Diwali. As we celebrate the festival of lights – the victory of good over evil and the return of Lord Ram – we light the diyas in unity against all forms of darkness. . May these knowledge can bring hope for a brighter future and the safe return of our loved ones.”