川普總統慶祝印度排燈節

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.美國總統川普在白宮的橢圓形辦公室舉辦了一個點燈儀式，慶祝印度的排燈節。

川普政府中的印度裔官員，包括駐聯合國代表黑利，星期二參加了川普總統舉辦的活動，聽他宣讀一項正式聲明，觀看他點燃一盞油燈。

川普總統在聲明中說：“我們格外銘記印度這個印度教發源地的人民。他們建立了世界上最大的民主國家。”

川普總統對在場以及其他地方的印度裔美國人說：“你們對藝術、科學、醫藥、商業和教育做出了傑出的貢獻。”

川普說：“美國特別要感謝那些勇敢地在軍中服役或在我們偉大的國家各地擔任急救人員的印度裔美國公民。”

川普總統在慶祝排燈節的時候說：“我們強調，印度裔美國人是我們美國大家庭中廣受珍視和愛戴的成員。”

彭斯副總統在推特上祝賀排燈節。他說：“願我們所有人享受和平、繁榮以及光明戰勝黑暗的勝利。”

小布什總統最先開始在白宮慶祝排燈節。奧巴馬總統最先在白宮的慶祝活動上點亮油燈。

印度排燈節在每年靠近年末的時候，慶祝光明戰勝黑暗，善良戰勝邪惡。家人和友人歡聚一堂，點燈、宴席、購物。在印度一些地方，排燈節被視爲印度教新年的開始。