美国总统川普在白宫的椭圆形办公室举办了一个点灯仪式，庆祝印度的排灯节。
川普政府中的印度裔官员，包括驻联合国代表黑利，星期二参加了川普总统举办的活动，听他宣读一项正式声明，观看他点燃一盏油灯。
川普总统在声明中说：“我们格外铭记印度这个印度教发源地的人民。他们建立了世界上最大的民主国家。”
川普总统对在场以及其他地方的印度裔美国人说：“你们对艺术、科学、医药、商业和教育做出了杰出的贡献。”
川普说：“美国特别要感谢那些勇敢地在军中服役或在我们伟大的国家各地担任急救人员的印度裔美国公民。”
川普总统在庆祝排灯节的时候说：“我们强调，印度裔美国人是我们美国大家庭中广受珍视和爱戴的成员。”
彭斯副总统在推特上祝贺排灯节。他说：“愿我们所有人享受和平、繁荣以及光明战胜黑暗的胜利。”
小布什总统最先开始在白宫庆祝排灯节。奥巴马总统最先在白宫的庆祝活动上点亮油灯。
印度排灯节在每年靠近年末的时候，庆祝光明战胜黑暗，善良战胜邪恶。家人和友人欢聚一堂，点灯、宴席、购物。在印度一些地方，排灯节被视为印度教新年的开始。
U.S. President Donald Trump has celebrated the Hindu holiday of Diwali, known as the festival of lights, in a lamp-lighting ceremony in the Oval Office.
Indian-American members of the Trump administration, including U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, gathered with the president Tuesday to hear him read an official statement and observe as he lit the ceremonial oil lamp.
In his statement, Trump said, "We especially remember the people of India, the home of the Hindu faith, who have built the world's largest democracy."
Speaking to Indian-Americans in the room and elsewhere, Trump said, "You have made extraordinary contributions to art, science, medicine, business and education."
He continued, "America is especially thankful for its many Indian-American citizens who serve bravely in our armed forces and as first responders in communities throughout our great land."
In celebrating the holiday, Trump said, "We reaffirm that Indian-Americans are truly cherished, treasured and beloved members of our great American family.
Vice President Mike Pence also tweeted a Diwali greeting, saying, "May we all strive for peace, prosperity, and the triumph of light over darkness."
Celebration of Diwali was started in the White House by President George W. Bush. President Barack Obama was the first president to light the diya at the White House celebration.
Diwali is held late in the year as a celebration of light over darkness and good over evil. Families and friends come together to celebrate with lamp-lighting, feasting, and holiday shopping. In some parts of India, it is considered the start of a new Hindu year.
