WASHINGTON: Democratic presidential front runner Hillary Clinton joined many Republican leaders and lawmakers to greet Indian-Americans on Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated today across the globe, including in India.
"Happy Diwali! Wishing a bright year ahead to all celebrating the Festival of Lights," Clinton Tweeted and posted a similar message on her Facebook page.
Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus and Co-Chair Sharon Day greeted people on the occasion of Diwali.
"Diwali, the festival of lights, marks a celebration joining our friends of Hindu, Jain and Sikh faiths," said Priebus.
"The RNC wishes a happy festival of lights to all of those celebrating Diwali. We join those celebrating Diwali in deep reflection and renewal hoping for a strong year ahead. Happy Diwali!" he added.
Congresswoman Grace Meng, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Diwali is a wonderful and special time for family and friends to come together, reflect, and commemorate the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
"This vibrant holiday continues to grow and increase in popularity, and as it becomes more well known, I reaffirm my call for the creation of a Diwali postage stamp, an initiative that I've been proud to push the US Postal Service (USPS) on with Representative Carolyn Maloney and others. I'd also like to see a school holiday created for Diwali in New York City," she said.
"As we celebrate this year's holiday, I wish everybody who observes the festival of lights, much prosperity in the year ahead. Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak!" Meng said.
Congressman Ami Bera, Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans Co-Chair said last week almost 1,000 people came together in Washington to celebrate this special occasion, marking the largest ever Congressional Diwali.
"Diwali is celebrated by nearly a billion people around the world and more than two million people in the US. I look forward to continuing to grow this celebration and wish all who are celebrating this week a Happy Diwali," Bera said.
Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez said this wonderful tradition encourages reflection and renewal, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and light over dark.
"Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, and reminds us that the diverse faiths and religious traditions recognised in America enrich us all," Sanchez said.