"Diwali is a time for gathering with family and friends and—celebrating with good food and dancing"... President Obama issued greetings for the sacred holiday of Diwali today, wishing "Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists" around the globe who mark the festival of lights "Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak." The President has marked Diwali each year he's been in the White House. Last year, the President and First Lady Obama also celebrated Diwali during their trip to India, visiting a school in Mumbai to join kids for candle lighting and dancing. (Above: The President and Mrs. Obama light candles in Mumbai)
In 2009, the President hosted the first-ever White House Diwali reception, where he lit a Diya to the chanted prayer of a Hindu priest who oversees a temple in Maryland. The President also offered sweet treats in silk boxes to his guests. Mr. Obama notes both celebrations in this year's Diwali greeting:
"I was proud to be the first President to mark Diwali and light the Diya at the White House, and last year Michelle and I were honored to join in Diwali celebrations during our visit to India."
The President's full 2011 Diwali message:
"Today, here in America and around the world, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists will celebrate the holiday of Diwali – the festival of lights. Many who observe this holiday do so by lighting the Diya, or lamp, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. I was proud to be the first President to mark Diwali and light the Diya at the White House, and last year Michelle and I were honored to join in Diwali celebrations during our visit to India.
Diwali is a time for gathering with family and friends and—as we experienced in India—celebrating with good food and dancing. It is also a time for contemplation and prayer that serves as a reminder of our obligations to our fellow human beings, especially the less fortunate. To all who are observing this sacred holiday here and around the world, Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak."
In Mumbai at the Diwali celebration, the President gave up on the dancing after a few awkward tries, and instead sat down and watched Mrs. Obama groove with the girls (above)."Outstanding," the President commented.
"Damage done," the press pooler on duty joked via e-mail to the rest of the WH press corps about the President's attempt to dance. "Great film."
A video of President Obama at the 2009 White House Diwali celebration:
*Photos by Pete Souza/White House, taken on Nov. 7, 2010, at Holy Name High School in Mumbai, India.