Diwali
Diwali 2026: UAE, US, Pakistan and Sri Lankan leaders extend warm wishes
World leaders, including UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, extended their greetings on Diwali, wishing people across the globe peace, prosperity and happiness.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum took to X to extend his warm wishes to those celebrating the festival in the UAE and around the world.
"Warmest wishes and greetings to all those celebrating Diwali in the UAE and around the world," he wrote.
Warmest wishes and greetings to all those celebrating Diwali in the UAE and around the world. May this festival of lights bring you peace, hope, and goodness, and may your days be filled with safety, happiness, and prosperity. Happy Diwali!
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) November 7, 2026
He further said: "May this festival of lights bring you peace, hope, and goodness, and may your days be filled with safety, happiness, and prosperity. Happy Diwali!"
Hindu-American politician and former US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also extended her greetings, wishing people a joyful Diwali.
Wishing all who are celebrating a joyful Diwali! May we be reminded on this special day, and all days, that God’s love has the power to dispel all darkness and fill our lives with light, peace and joy. https://t.co/eSgMwUwpRq
— Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) November 7, 2026
"Wishing all who are celebrating a joyful Diwali! May we be reminded on this special day, and all days, that God’s love has the power to dispel all darkness and fill our lives with light, peace and joy," she wrote on X.
On Friday, US President Donald Trump joined the Diwali celebrations at the White House, participating in a diya-lighting ceremony.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also extended his greetings on the occasion.
It is with great pleasure that I extend my warm greetings on the occasion of Deepavali, one of the most sacred religious festivals of the Hindu community, which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Commemorating the victory of Lord Krishna, over the demon Narakasura, Hindus engage in religious observances with the hope that, just as righteousness triumphed over unrighteousness, darkness will be dispelled from every heart and the light of goodness will prevail. The true meaning of Deepavali extends beyond illuminating homes with the light of oil lamps. It lies in kindling the light of love, compassion, brotherhood and humanity in the hearts of people. Deepavali therefore provides a valuable opportunity to renew our resolve to build a better, more just and compassionate society by choosing kindness over hatred, coexistence over division, and justice over injustice. We remain firmly committed to the great responsibility of transforming every sphere of society, the economy and politics, and building a nation that respects all religious and cultural identities and treats everyone with equality and dignity. I hope that the path we are collectively pursuing towards building Sri Lanka as an Island of Peace and Humanity, which grows stronger economically and socially and stands with dignity before the world, will be further illuminated by the lamps lit this Deepavali. I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Hindu devotees in Sri Lanka and across the world for a peaceful, joyful and prosperous Deepavali. Anura Kumara Dissanayake President Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 08 November 2026
— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) November 7, 2026
"It is with great pleasure that I extend my warm greetings on the occasion of Deepavali, one of the most sacred religious festivals of the Hindu community, which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance," he wrote on X.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s Message on the Occasion of Diwali, 8 November 2026. On the joyous and auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt felicitations and warmest wishes to the Hindu community across the world, particularly those residing in Pakistan. Diwali symbolises the triumph of light over the darkness of hatred, intolerance and despair. The festival of lights conveys a profound message of promoting peaceful coexistence in human relations and social life. The enduring belief in a bright, prosperous and hopeful future is one of the most cherished attributes of Diwali. The Hindu community of Pakistan is a valued and integral part of our national fabric. Its invaluable contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of our country are worthy of the highest appreciation. The diverse cultural and religious traditions within our society constitute a valuable social asset. Pakistan takes immense pride in its religious and cultural diversity. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the protection of the religious and civil rights of minorities. The Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of all citizens, irrespective of religion, faith, colour or ethnicity. Promoting religious harmony, mutual unity and respect is our shared responsibility. Our collective resolve is to build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous nation. A society that embraces diverse cultures and traditions and upholds the principles of peaceful coexistence is one that ensures equal educational and economic opportunities for all its citizens. On this special occasion, let us renew our collective commitment to fostering interfaith harmony, strengthening the bonds of fraternity and brotherhood, and working together towards a brighter future founded on peace, tolerance and mutual understanding. I hope that all Pakistani Hindus celebrating Diwali will enjoy the vibrant and festive traditions of this joyous occasion to the fullest and share with society a message of peace, goodwill, happiness, prosperity and hope. Heartfelt felicitations to the Hindu community on the joyous occasion of Diwali!
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 7, 2026
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wished the Hindu community on the auspicious occasion, particularly those residing in Pakistan.
"On the joyous and auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt felicitations and warmest wishes to the Hindu community across the world, particularly those residing in Pakistan," he wrote on X.
Dr Mohammad Fathali, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to India, also shared a video on X, extending Diwali greetings to Hindus across the globe.
H.E. Dr. Mohammad Fathali, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to India, Extends Diwali Greetings to the Government and People of India. #Diwali #Diwali2026 https://t.co/2mySOhSzAu
— Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) November 7, 2026
Hindus in India and around the world are celebrating Diwali on Sunday.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the Hindu festival of lights. The festival is also celebrated by other Indian religious communities, including Jains and Sikhs, with distinct religious significance and traditions.
Diwali symbolises the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness), light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
The festival falls during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin and Kartika, generally between mid-October and mid-November. Celebrations typically span five or six days.
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