Sunday, November 12, 2023

‘We recognise role of Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist’: Canadian PM Trudeau greets on Diwali

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extends greetings of Diwali and Bandi Chorr Divas.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday extended greetings of Diwali which symbolises the “triumph of light over darkness”.

Justin Trudeau at an event celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chorr Divas.
(X/@FP_Champagne)


Read Justin Trudeau statement on Diwali:

Canadian PM Trudeau said:
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Today, we join millions of people in Canada and around the world to celebrate Diwali.

Today, we join millions of people in Canada and around the world to celebrate Diwali. On this joyful holiday, families and friends gather to pray, exchange gifts, share meals, and decorate their homes and temples with colour and the glow of diyas to mark the triumph of light over darkness.

Diwali is also a time to reflect on the values of selflessness, optimism, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. As we mark Diwali, we also recognize the many contributions of Canadians from Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities to our country’s cultural fabric, and we celebrate their role in making Canada the diverse and inclusive place we call home.

On behalf of all Canadians, I wish everyone celebrating a very happy Diwali.

Read Justin Trudeau statement on Bandi Chorr Divas

In another statement, Canadian PM also wished ‘Band Chhor Divas’ to Sikhs. Celebrated annually on Diwali, it marks Guru Hargobind Singh’s release by Mughal King Jahangir.

Canadian PM said:

This important day commemorates the story of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who upon his release from prison, refused to leave his captors unless the 52 innocent kings imprisoned alongside him were also freed. Generations later, his story continues to inspire values of selflessness and generosity in Sikhs around the world.

Families and friends will observe Bandi Chhor Divas today by getting together to share festive meals and sweets, watch fireworks, illuminate their homes and Gurdwaras, and read the Sikh holy book – the Guru Granth Sahib.


For those celebrating, this holiday is a reminder that when we come together as a society, we can achieve a world that stands for peace, freedom, and community. Today is also an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Sikh Canadians, past and present, to building a better and more diverse country.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish a happy Bandi Chhor Divas to all those celebrating.

Earlier on Wednesday, Justin Trudeau attended a Diwali and Bandi Chorr Divas event where he lighted lamps to mark the occasion on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.


‘We reflect on strength of our shared light’: US President Joe Biden extends Diwali wishes

ByHT News Desk
Nov 12, 2023 

Diwali message of seeking light of wisdom, love, and unity prevails, said US President Joe Biden.

US President Joe Biden on Sunday extended Diwali greetings to South Asian Americans and all those celebrating the festival of “wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of ignorance, hate, and division”.

Read Joe Biden’s Diwali wish

“Over the course of generations, South Asian Americans have woven Diwali traditions into the fabric of our nation – symbolizing the message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of ignorance, hate, and division.

It’s a message that has helped our nation emerge stronger from the past few difficult years, and matters now more than ever. On this Diwali, may we reflect on the strength of our shared light and embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation.

To the more than one billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists celebrating in America and around the world, we wish you a happy Diwali,” Biden said in his Diwali message.
Diwali at White House

Vice President Kamala Harris, who shares her root with India, hosted a Diwali event at the White House on Wednesday, welcoming influential figures from South Asian communities.

In her speech, Harris said: “This year we celebrate Diwali at a time where there's a lot happening in our world,” the vice president said

The event was attended by Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, Bela Bajaria, CCO of Netflix, US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, US Rep. Pooja Bavishi, Miss USA Nina Davaluri and others.

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti celebrated Diwali for the first time in India.

Taking to social media platform X, Garcetti said, “Delighted to celebrate #Diwali with dance, food and music with my colleagues for the first time here in India! At this auspicious time, may the festival of light bring you happiness and prosperity in the new year!”

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