US President-elect Joe Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris on Saturday extended Diwali greetings to those celebrating the festival of lights.
77-year-old Joe Biden is set to become the oldest president in the history of the country. Taking to Twitter, Joe Biden wrote: "To the millions of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists celebrating the Festival of Lights, @DrBiden and I send our best wishes for a #HappyDiwali. May your new year be filled with hope, happiness, and prosperity. Sal Mubarak."
Meanwhile, US Vice President-elect Kamala Harris also extended greetings on the occasion of Diwali. "Happy Diwali and Sal Mubarak! @DouglasEmhoff (Doug Emhoff) and I wish everyone celebrating around the world a safe, healthy, and joyous new year," she tweeted.
Meanwhile, in a joint statement, Biden and Harris wished a happy Diwali to everyone celebrating the festival of lights across the US, India, and the world.
"On behalf of our families, we wish a happy Diwali to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and everyone celebrating the festival of lights across the United States, India, and the world. Like so many cherished traditions during the pandemic, we know this year's Diwali and its symbolizing of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and empathy over apathy arrives with a deeper meaning," read the joint statement issued by Biden and Harris.
As the world struggles to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, they said, "Our hearts go out to everyone who is ushering in this new year with the recent loss of a loved one, or who finds themselves fallen on hard times. Our prayers remain with everyone fighting the pandemic on the frontlines instead of staying safe at home in prayer with their families. And, we know the sadness of being apart on a day that truly signifies the blessing of family and friendship."
"But Diwali is ultimately a reminder of the light that's within us all to hope and dream, and to overcome our differences and keep the faith in each other. That's the light we see shining on this day and that will guide us through the darkness with knowledge, science, truth, unity, and compassion," the joint statement said.
"And that's why as Diwali is celebrated via video calls and while socially distanced this year, we look forward to celebrating Diwali at the White House next year - in person, together with you, and in a nation healed and united," they said.
(Inputs from Agencies)
