Ambassador Roemer Offers Diwali Greetings

November 4, 2010

New Delhi - As I travel throughout India, particularly on the streets of New Delhi, I see the many buildings and homes lit up with colorful lights. I can experience the excitement in the air for the Diwali holiday. This is a very special time of year to be in India, and my family and I feel fortunate to be here to celebrate this wonderful holiday with the people of all India.

This Diwali holiday will have an added element of excitement as we will be celebrating it with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.  Last year, President Barack Obama became the first U.S. President to preside over a Diwali celebration at the White House. He also welcomed Prime Minister Singh to the White House for his first official state dinner last November.

This year, President Obama will celebrate the ties between our countries by travelling to India for his first official visit. This visit by President Obama will reflect the spirit of Diwali as it symbolizes the warm, close, and strong shared values between the U.S. and India.I already sense that the people of India will welcome him with the incredible warmth, grace, and goodwill that I have seen throughout my travels in this great nation.

Diwali is a time for eating sweets and lighting diya lamps, and enjoying time with family and friends. As the President's representative in India, I offer our best wishes to the people of India for a festive and safe Diwali holiday.