UN Celebrates Diwali For First Time

Oct 30, 2016, 12:20 IST

United Nations: The UN celebrated Diwali for the first time on Sunday after it was recognised in 2014.

"Happy Diwali! UN celebrates Diwali for 1st time," Syed Akbaruddin, India's permanent representative to the UN tweeted.

"Thank you President of the General Assembly for this initiative," he said.

It is a privilege & honour to serve India @UN . Am humbled. Thank U for all the good wishes. Will strive to do my best.

— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) November 16, 2015

From this year, Diwali was also made an optional holiday at the UN and a "Happy Diwali" message was also displayed on the New York building of the UN.

The #Diwali selfie spot in New York on 30-31 October evening is @UN Headquarters.
Share your photos #Diwali@UN pic.twitter.com/BrVga3YViO

— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) October 30, 2016