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Colourful lights illuminated buildings and earthen lamps dotted houses as people across the country celebrated Diwali with pomp on Monday after two years of muted festivities due to the pandemic. People, dressed in their finest, exchanged sweets and gifts, visited temples and greeted each other. Some restrictions on bursting of firecrackers, particularly in the national capital, however, remained in force. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of the country and hoped the festival will bring happiness, wellbeing and strengthen the spirit of mutual cooperation and harmony. Like previous years, Prime Minister Modi celebrated Diwali with soldiers. This time it was in Kargil. Addressing the soldiers, he said India is against war but also underscored the need for strength to ensure peace and asserted that its growing power boosts the chances of global peace and prosperity. India stands for peace and has always ...
Iconic New York City landmarks were illuminated on the occasion of Diwali as top UN officials extended greetings to those celebrating the festival of lights around the world. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres tweeted "Happy #Diwali. My best wishes to all celebrating." The United Nations also tweeted "During #Diwali, the festival of lights - celebrated in India & by followers of many faiths across the world - clay lamps are lit to signify the victory of good over evil." World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a tweet "May the lights of #Diwali bring good health and happiness to everyone celebrating." For the first time ever, Diwali-themed animation adorned One World Trade Center from November 2nd-4th as part of the South Asian Engagement Foundation (SAEF)'s inaugural #AllAmericanDiwali in New York City. On Wednesday, a spectacular Diwali fireworks show light up the sky on the iconic Hudson River. "We are excited to create and curate the ..