Diwali is celebrated on a grand scale in the United States. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris led the celebrations ahead of the US presidential election scheduled for November 5th. Temples and landmarks across the country are illuminated to mark the occasion.

“This Diwali, may we demonstrate the power that lies in the gathering of light. The light of knowledge, unity, truth. The light for freedom, for democracy, for an America where everything is possible,” wrote Joe Biden on X.

Earlier this week, Joe Biden hosted the largest Diwali event at the White House, inviting around 600 prominent Indian Americans across the country.

The Diwali event at the White House also recognized the contributions of Indian Americans in strengthening US-India ties. US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti lauded the event and emphasized the importance of Diwali and the valuable contributions of the Indian-American community.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, condemned recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh in his Diwali greetings on Thursday. He vowed to strengthen ties with India and called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a close friend.

“Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus around the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own southern border, but we will make America strong again and bring back peace through strength,” he said.

“We will also protect Hindu Americans from the anti-religious agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom. Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend Prime Minister Modi,” Trump said.

“I also wish everyone a happy Diwali. “I hope the Festival of Lights leads to the victory of good over evil,” said the former president, who is in a tight battle with Harris for the Nov. 5 election.

What US leaders said about Diwali

US Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her Diwali wishes and acknowledged that people in the US and around the world light diyas to honor the triumph of good over evil.

“Tonight we join more than a billion people across America and around the world in lighting diyas and celebrating the fight for good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness,” said Harris in a post on X about her campaign trail.

Although Harris has hosted Diwali events at her residence for several years, she was unable to do so this year due to her campaign schedule.

Secretary of State Tony Blinken emphasized the importance of Diwali, noting that it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil.

“It serves as a reminder of the ability of each of us to bring more light into our communities. We celebrate alongside families and friends around the world – including millions of people here in the United States – who come together, share sweets, decorate homes and light diyas,” he said.

Blinken also emphasized the importance of religious freedom, saying, “Given the strength that diversity gives our nation, we also take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of freedom of religion or belief for all people, everywhere.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz attended Diwali celebrations at the Bharatiya Temple in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where he took part in a diya lighting ceremony and received a blessing.

“Happy Diwali to everyone. It is a privilege for me to be with you on this special day, a privilege to stand among you. You can feel the sense of community here. You can feel the feeling of love. “You feel like there’s something bigger than all of us,” Walz said.

Walz praised the South Asian community, expressed support for Kamala Harris as the “next president of the United States” and wished a peaceful Diwali. He also mentioned Harris' plans to support South Asian American families and business owners.

Walz was welcomed by Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija, the first Asian-American county commissioner in Pennsylvania history, along with Atul Sangal, a board member of the Bharatiya Temple, and Priest Sri Seshasai Rompicharla.

IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath shared a video of the White House Military Band playing 'Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare' as part of Diwali celebrations.

In her post, she mentioned, “Wonderful to hear the White House Military Band playing Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare for Diwali. Happy Diwali.”

The video showed the White House decorated with marigolds and many guests dressed in traditional Indian clothing.

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, extended his Diwali greetings saying, “I wish everyone a bright and happy Diwali full of warmth and light!”