US President Donald Trump celebrates Diwali in the  Oval Office  

“As Diwali commences, Melania and I wish those observing the Festival of Lights a blessed and happy celebration.”  

US President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Friday in the Oval Office with a small group of Indian Americans, the news agency  Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

Sending greetings to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, the US President said in a statement ahead of the celebrations in India, the US and across the world, “ The observance of Diwali throughout America is an important reminder of the significance of one of our Nation’s core tenets- religious liberty.”

“ My Administration will continue to defend the rights enshrined in our Constitution that enable people of all faiths to worship according to their beliefs and conscience,” President Trump said in the statement.

“As Diwali commences, Melania  and I wish those observing the Festival of Lights a blessed and happy celebration,”  the President said. 

For many Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists in the US and around the globe, this sacred period is an opportunity to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Throughout this holy time, members of these faiths engage in prayer, light diyas and lanterns, and partake in traditional feasts and other festivities with friends and family,  President Trump said in the statement, PTI reported.

Diwali is being celebrated in India on October 27.