President Obama: "I am happy to light the White House Diya, and wish you all a Happy Diwali"

Diwali Wishes From President Obama

On October 14th, President Obama observed the auspicious holiday of Diwali, or festival of lights, in the East Room of the White House. The occasion marked the first time that an American President has observed the holiday. Sri Narayanachar Digalakote, a Sanskrit scholar and ordained Hindu priest of the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Lantham, Maryland chanted Asatoma Sadgamaya from the Upanishads while the President lit the White House diya.

President Obama: "This coming Saturday, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, here in America and around the world, will celebrate this holiday by lighting Diyas, or lamps, which symbolize the victory of light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance... in that spirit of celebration and contemplation, I am happy to light the White House Diya, and wish you all a Happy Diwali" (Applause.)

Source:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Diwali-Wishes-From-President-Obama/

See related clips at www.youtube.com

President Obama's Diwali Message
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuiAW_6XKVM&feature=related

First Diwali at the White House
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3xeo72W3DI&feature=related

Barack Obama celebrates Diwali in White House
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsJUy_ZMYuY

Obama lights Diwali lamp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7M8jwTF524&feature=related

The President Observes Diwali
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VRb9lGjeFY&feature=related