Diwali 2024: New York City’s World Trade Center Shines Bright | Watch Video

In advance of the festive event of Diwali, the US tallest building, One World Trade Center in New York, was on Tuesday illuminated in vivid colors. The news agency ANI published a video showing the tower decorated with multiple colors and lights that looked ornamental with patterns of different shapes, including diyas.

(Photo Credit: ANI) Diwali 2024: New York City’s World Trade Center Shines Bright

Read More: New York City Schools To Close For Diwali For The First Time In History, Says US Official

Dilip Chauhan, who is the deputy commissioner for international affairs in the mayor’s office of New York City, said, This year, Diwali is very different. For the first time in the history of New York City, schools will be closed on Friday, November 1 because of the celebration of the festival of Diwali.

#WATCH | The tallest building in the USA, One World Trade Center lit up in lights of radiant colours ahead of Diwali pic.twitter.com/9hy7NItVlE

— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2024

Reportedly, Diwali was also celebrated by US President Joe Biden inside the White House on Monday together with more than 600 of the top Indian Americans as reported by the news agency PTI. Joe Biden while extending Diwali wishes stated the significance of the celebration and added that it is "proudly celebrated at the White House today."

He admitted that the South Asian American community had an impact on the growth of the country and even referred to it as the “quickest evolving and most proactive society contemporary world has ever had.” 

Addressing guests at the White House during a Diwali event on Monday, Biden remarked that “The South Asian American community has enriched every aspect of American society.”

"Yours is the fastest-growing and most engaged community in the world...Now, Diwali is celebrated openly and proudly in the White House," said the US President.

The President remembered how they held the first event marking this festival of lights at the Vice President’s residence that was hosted by the first lady Jill Biden in year 2016. He noted the Indian- American composition of the present government with mentions of Vice President Kamala Harris and US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.

Diwali celebrations were first held in the White House during President George W. Bush's regime in 2003. There have seen remarkable moments later, such as the lighting of a diya by President Barack Obama in the Oval Office and Vice President Biden hosting a reception in the year 2016.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a widely celebrated Hindu festival by millions across the globe. It celebrates, the victory of light over darkness and good over evil which is in celebration of Lord Rama's return to his place after conquering Ravana. This five-day-long festival includes lighting of diyas, bursting of crackers and decorating the house with rangoli. People gift one another, have special meals together and worship the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi.