President Obama yesterday issued a statement (
full text) sending holiday greetings to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists who are celebrating the holiday of
Diwali-- the festival of lights that "symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance." Obama emphasized that Diwali is a time of celebration with dancing and food, but also a time for contemplation and prayer to remind us of our obligations to the less fortunate.