Washington, October 27: United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump extended wishes on the occasion of Diwali 2019. Trump lit diyas in the White House to officially commence the Diwali celebrations of the American government. A video of him lighting the auspicious lamp, along with several Indian-origin officials of the White House, was shared on social media. Happy Diwali 2019 Wishes: Twitterati Celebrates Festival of Lights With Shubh Deepawali Greetings and Messages (Check Tweets).

On Twitter, Trump posted a single-line message along with the footage to wish the people on the occasion of Diwali. "As Diwali commences, @FLOTUS Melania and I wish those observing the Festival of Lights a blessed and happy celebration! #HappyDiwali (sic)," the President tweeted.

Watch Video of Trump and Melania Commencing Diwali Celebrations

Trump, who had drawn flak for reducing the Iftar festivities at the White House after taking over as the President, has continued the Diwali celebration tradition throughout the last three years.

The White House issued an official statement on the occassion of Diwali, saying that event assumes significance of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists across the word.

"Throughout this holy time, members of these faiths engage in prayer, light diyas and lanterns, and partake in traditional feasts and other festivities with friends and family," the statement read.

Trump in the statement said that the observance of Diwali throughout America was an important reminder of the "significance of one of our Nation’s core tenets of religious liberty".

"My Administration will continue to defend the rights enshrined in our Constitution that enable people of all faiths to worship according to their beliefs and conscience," the statement quoted the President as saying.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 27, 2019 06:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).