US President Donald Trump extended warm Diwali greetings on Monday, calling the festival a reminder of light’s victory over darkness and a time for renewal, community, and reflection.
The message, published on the White House website, read: Today, I send my best wishes to every American celebrating Diwali—the “Festival of Lights.” For many Americans, Diwali is a timeless reminder of light’s victory over darkness.”
The message continued, “It is also a time to bring families and friends together to celebrate community, draw strength from hope, and embrace a lasting spirit of renewal. As millions of citizens light diyas and lanterns, we rejoice in the eternal truth that good will always triumph over evil. To every American celebrating Diwali, may this observance bring abiding serenity, prosperity, hope, and peace.”
Diwali celebrations in US
Diwali, celebrated by millions of Indians across the world, and it continues to gain growing recognition across the United States. This year, it falls on October 20 and is marked by prayer, family gatherings, and lighting traditional lamps to symbolize inner light and triumph of good.
In recent years, multiple US states and cities have taken steps to formally recognise the festival. Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and California have declared it a state holiday, with California’s Assembly Bill 268 set to take effect in January 2026, offering paid leave for state employees and allowing school closures. School districts in New York City, New Jersey’s Edison and Jersey City, and in parts of Texas including Dallas and Houston have also begun observing Diwali with school holidays.
Trump’s rift with India
Meanwhile, recent times have seen growing diplomatic strain between India and the U.S., particularly over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. On Sunday, President Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would stop importing oil from Russia.
“I spoke with Prime Minister Modi of India, and he said he’s not going to be doing the Russian oil thing,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
However, Indian officials have denied any such conversation, stating they are unaware of the claim. When asked about India’s denial. Trump responded, “But if they want to say that, then they’ll just continue to pay massive tariffs, and they don’t want to do that.”