U.S. President Joe Biden hosted a reception Monday at the White House to celebrate Diwali, saying the holiday is a reminder that "each of us has the power to dispel darkness."
The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs around the world, especially in India.
"We know that there is always darkness lurking, as this community has experienced much too often," Biden told the guests.
"Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal and the harsh reality that racism and fear have long torn us apart."
The president said Diwali is a reminder that each of us has the power to bring light to the world.
"It is a choice. We make that choice every day. It's true in our lives and in the life of this nation," Biden said.
The president said Monday's event in the East Room of the White House was the largest Diwali celebration hosted in the building. Also in attendance were first lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kalama Harris.
Harris, whose mother is from India, said, "I have personally such fond members of celebrating Diwali as a child" when visiting her family in India.
"Tonight, we join with more than 1 billion people around the world ... to celebrate the fight of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness," she said.
Jill Biden told the guests at the reception that "this community helps light our way forward with courage and kindness, with persistence and faith, with love."
Cheers erupted from the crowd when President Biden noted Monday's news that Rishi Sunak is set to become the first person of Indian origin to become British prime minster.
"Pretty astounding," Biden said of the development, adding, "A groundbreaking milestone. And it matters."
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters earlier this month that Biden sees Diwali as important, along with U.S. partnership with India and Indian Americans.
Last year, the Bidens lit a small lamp known as a diya at the White House to celebrate the festival.
That marked the latest in a line of presidential celebrations of Diwali that goes back to President George W. Bush's time in office. Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump also held Diwali celebrations.
Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
