Obama, Democratic Party greet people on Diwali

Barack Obama and his Democratic Party have greeted people on the occasion of Diwali, with the US President saying that he has been proud to host the Diwali celebrations at the White House.
In a video message posted on the White House website, Obama said he has been proud to host Diwali celebrations at the White House - and be the first President to light the Diya in 2009.
"When Michelle and I visited India, we were able to join in Diwali festivities with some wonderful children in Mumbai. It was a reminder of the traditions we share, across continents and cultures," he said.

Noting that Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists - some of the world's oldest religions - light the Diya with family and friends, Obama said: "You celebrate life's blessings - the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. But Diwali is also a time for prayer and contemplation, to reflect on our obligations to help our fellow human beings, particularly the less fortunate."
Obama's Diwali message was released to the press by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) today - two days after the celebration of the festival of lights.
"We are proud to count Democrats among the millions of Americans who celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, over the last few days," said DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

"The celebration of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil is an opportunity for us to pause for prayer and contemplation, to reflect on our obligations to help our fellow human beings, and in particular the less fortunate," he said.
"Those are values that we hold dear as a party, and that are at the heart of the policies for which we stand. On behalf of the Democratic National Committee, Saal Mubarak!" Schultz said.