US lawmakers celebrate Diwali on Twitter, Facebook

Washington, October 31

Despite their busy campaigning schedules, US lawmakers took to social media to wish people on Diwali with many of them attending community celebrations in their constituencies.

For the Indian-Americans this was a special year of celebrations as the US Postal Service issued the first ever Diwali postage stamp–a more-than-a-decade-old pending demand for them.

“Diwali is a beautiful reminder of the ultimate victory of light over darkness. Saal Mubarak to all those celebrating!” tweeted Senator Tim Kaine, who is also the Democratic vice presidential nominee.

“Diwali’s message of compassion is one that resonates with all Texans. Wishing you a joyous and prosperous new year,” said Senator John Cornyn, who is Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus.

US lawmakers over the past few years had become accustomed to celebrating Diwali at the US Capitol.

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“Happy Diwali! Proud to have helped make the Diwali Forever stamp a reality,” said Senator Mark Warner, who is the Democratic Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus.

“Happy Diwali! Wishing brightness and joy to all those who celebrate the festival of lights,” tweeted Senate Jack Reed.

Senator and a former Republican presidential nominee Ted Cruz said the central theme of Diwali reinforced the “shared hope and common outlook” the US and India enjoyed as “friends” and allies.

“As we mark Diwali, may the United States-India alliance be a shining light of truth and peace,” Cruz said in a statement.

“This holiday celebrates the triumph of light and goodness over darkness and evil, as well as who we are as a community and all that we have accomplished,” said Congressman Ami Bera, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans.

Beri said he was proud to have hosted the largest ever Diwali celebration on Capitol Hill with more than 1,000 attendees, including 30 members of Congress last year.

“Happy Diwali! I send my very best wishes to all those celebrating this joyous festival, both here in the US and around the globe,” said Congressman Joe Crowley.

He said Diwali is a time for “reflection and renewal” and a time for peace.

Crowley had helped organise the first-ever Congressional Diwali celebration in 2013 when serving as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans.

“Happy Diwali to all those celebrating. Wishing you a joyous holiday!” Senator Bob Casey tweeted.

“Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali and a year full of happiness and joy,” tweeted Congressman Pete Sessions.

“Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating the Festival of Lights,” tweeted Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney.

Congresswoman Karen Bass said Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, which spiritually signified the victory of light over darkness and hope over despair.

Congressman Donald Norcross tweeted that it was a pleasure for him to join constituents at a BAMP Swami Narayan temple “for the Hindu New Year, Diwali--often referred to as the festival of lights.”

“Happy Diwali & Sal Mubarak to all those celebrating the Festival of Lights and Gujarati New Year in Silicon Valley,” tweeted Congressman Mike Honda.

“Wishing a very happy Diwali to our Hindu friends and neighbours,” tweeted Congressman Eric Swalwell.

Tulsi Gabbard, the only Hindu lawmaker in the Congress, issues a video message.

“Every year as we celebrate Diwali, we reflect on the victory of light over darkness, hope over despair and righteousness over wrong. This year, we have something else very special to celebrate,” she said.

“So many of you worked to make the USPS Diwali stamp a reality--and finally, this year, here it is. This milestone is a symbol of our nation’s recognition of the religious diversity that exists all across our country,” Gabbard said.

“It’s a reminder of the pillar of religious freedom upon which our country was founded, and that when we come together with respect, we can transcend sectarianism, divisiveness, and hatred,” she said.

“Wishing all those celebrating the festival of lights a very joyous and prosperous New Year. Happy Diwali!” tweeted Congressman Adam Smith. PTI