US President Donald Trump joined Diwali celebrations at the White House and lit diyas on Tuesday (local time). He extended his warm greetings to the people of India and Indian-Americans.
During initial remarks, Donald Trump said, "Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India."
Trump added that he "had a great conversation" with his "great friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade... He's very interested in that," Trump said.
He added, "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 said.
The US President called Modi a "great person" and "great friend". Trump said, "He's a great person, and he's become a great friend of mine over the years."
Highlighting Diwali's symbolic importance, 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 free," Trump added.
"The glow of the Diya flame reminds us to seek the path of wisdom and to work with diligence and to always give thanks for our many blessings," he said.
Trump lights diyas
Following his initial remarks, Trump lit up the diyas to celebrate the festival of Diwali at the White House.
Several senior officials from the Trump Administration were present during the event, including Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) 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 attended the ceremony, reflecting the growing engagement of the Indian diaspora in US-India ties.
The celebration at the White House underscores Diwali's growing cultural significance in American society and the close ties between the United States and India.
US Congressmen's resolution
Earlier, US Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced a bipartisan resolution in the US House of Representatives to recognise the religious and historical significance of Diwali, which began on 20 October this year.
According to a press release, the resolution honours Diwali's cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to over three million Indian-Americans, including Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. It reflects the growing recognition of the Indian diaspora's contributions to the US.
Diwali 2025
Diwali is a five-day festival that starts on Dhanteras. On Dhanteras, people purchase jewellery or utensils and worship the gods.
The second day is called Naraka Chaturdashi. It is also called 'Chhoti Diwali' or Small Diwali.
The third day of Diwali is the main day of celebration. On this day, people worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, offering prayers to bless them with wealth and prosperity.
The fourth day of Diwali is devoted to Govardhan Puja, and the fifth day is called Bhai Dooj. On Bhai Dooj, sisters pray for their brothers to have long and happy lives by performing the tika ceremony, and brothers reciprocate by giving gifts to their sisters.
