The White House Office of the Press Secretary November 4, 2010 Statement by the President on Diwali Tomorrow, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhist...

Diwali has many reasons to be celebrated, but what they have in common is the belief that the day, in one way or another, commemorates freedom from ignorance, darkness and evil, and an awakening, or reawakening, of light, goodness and wisdom.

At this time of the year people around the world are getting ready to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. Light the lamp of wisdom and love in every heart and bring a radiant smile on every face.

Though celebrated for different reasons, Diwali has evolved from a pan-Indian festivity uniting multicultural diversity with worldwide cultures.