Indian-Americans celebrate Diwali at US Capitol Hill after Donald Trump’s victory in presidential election

More than two dozen lawmakers and prominent Indian Americans gathered at the US Capitol to celebrate Diwali, marking the first major event at the US Congress after the presidential elections.

The annual “Diwali at Capitol Hill” was organised by the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in association with several other Indian-American organisations.

Capitol Hill, the centre of the US government in the US, was stormed by the mob after Trump lost the election to Joe Biden in 2020.

President-elect Donald Trump is set to assume office after winning the presidential election last week against his Democratic rival Kamala Harris.

Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, who spoke at the Diwali celebration, said the US was a land of immigrants which attracts the best and brightest around the world.

“I’m a big advocate of more lawful immigration… The US is a land of immigrants which attracts the best and brightest around the world, and they blend to make America a great country,” said Paul, news agency PTI reported.

Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith looked forward to the great next four years.

“We want to provide prosperity for this country… a stable atmosphere, a great economy, and a safe place for everybody to raise your family,” said Hyde-Smith.

Meanwhile, India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, highlighted the significance of Diwali.

“This Indian festival is celebrated worldwide… Your presence here reflects the commitment to the relationship between India and the US,” said Kwatra.

Congressman Shri Thanedar, re-elected from Michigan’s 13th Congressional district, vowed to protect the Indian American community, saying, “I’m working with the State Department on attacks on Hindu temples and atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh.”

Other lawmakers, including Congressmen Tom Souzzi, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Dan Meuser, and Congresswoman Haley Stevens, also expressed their appreciation for the Indian American community’s contributions to the US.

Former House Majority Leader Congressman Steny Hoyer said, “America is stronger and better for those of you who come from India and love America and serve our fellow citizens.”