Anthony Blinken Hosts Diwali Reception At US State Department

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday hosted in-person Diwali reception after a gap of two years. The event was attended by the members of diplomatic and religious communities.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken hosted a Diwali reception in person after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event, which comes after the biggest Diwali event at the White House on Monday, welcomed guests from the diplomatic and religious communities, from the private sector and from across civil society.

"Simply yours: it is a great honor - it is a great honor to host you at the State Department for the first personal Diwali party since before the pandemic," Blinken said in his Diwali remarks.

Over the past few days Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists have decorated their homes with rangoli; exchanged sweets; and given thanks through pujas;

They lit diamonds.

All over the world, from the streets of New Delhi, to the parks of Kuala Lumpur, right down the street in the White House, people have come together to share the joy of being with friends and family.”

Speaking to the members of the diplomatic and civil society present at the reception,

They play an invaluable role in helping connect the United States with local people abroad, Blinken said, and "by pushing us to do more to support religious freedom around the world."

On Monday, the White House hosted the largest reception on Diwali on Monday which also saw the attendance of many American Indians from the Biden administration.

“We are honored to host you. This is the first Diwali party of this size ever in the White House.

“We have more Asian Americans in history than ever before, and we want to thank you for making the celebration of Diwali a joyful part of American culture,” US President Joe Biden said during a reception to celebrate Diwali at the White House.

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ProBuzzFeed