London, Nov 8 (PTI) Political leaders from several countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, extended Diwali greetings on Sunday, wishing peace, prosperity, unity and hope to people celebrating the festival.
“Wishing all my Indian friends in India, France, and around the world, a very happy Diwali! May its light inspire us to ever uphold unity, peace, and hope!” Macron wrote on social media, alongside a similar message in Hindi.
Carney said communities across Canada were joining millions around the world to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which marks the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
“To all who are gathering to light diyas, share meals, and honour traditions passed down through generations: I wish you a very happy Diwali,” he said in a post on X.
Albanese said Diwali was “the great celebration of the victory of light”, bringing communities together across religious and cultural boundaries.
“The signs and symbols of Diwali carry a message that speaks beyond religion or culture. It is a call to compassion and understanding, and of love and unity,” he said in a video message on social media.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said, “Heartfelt wishes to everyone celebrating Diwali in the UAE and around the world. May this auspicious occasion and the coming year bring excellent health and prosperity to you all and your families.”
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said Diwali symbolised “the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance”.
“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,” he said.
He called for a society that chose “kindness over hatred, coexistence over division, and justice over injustice”, and wished Hindu devotees in Sri Lanka and across the world a peaceful, joyful and prosperous Diwali.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also greeted the Hindu community, saying Diwali symbolised the triumph of light over “the darkness of hatred, intolerance and despair”.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog extended greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and people celebrating Diwali in India and around the world.
“Wishing you all peace, happiness, and prosperity on this beautiful festival of lights,” Herzog said in a post on X.
Seychelles President Patrick Herminie said the Indian community had been “an integral part of our national fabric”, enriching the country's cultural heritage and contributing to its economic and social development.
“May the light of Diwali illuminate every home with peace, prosperity and happiness, and may it continue to inspire unity and harmony throughout our nation,” he said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Diwali should strengthen unity and bridge differences in the country's diverse society.
“In a plural society that perpetuates diversity of cultures and traditions, the value of mutual respect, understanding and accepting differences must be continually strengthened,” he said.
In Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inaugurated the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026 in Bangkok on Sunday, in the presence of Indian Ambassador Puneet Agrawal and senior Thai officials.
The festival, which will be celebrated for 27 days, is billed as the longest Diwali celebration outside India.
It is being organised in collaboration with the Indian Embassy, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok authorities and Indian diaspora associations.
US President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House on Friday, lighting a diya in the Oval Office in the presence of Indian-American officials, entrepreneurs and diplomats.
(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)