No party pooper, Obama to celebrate Diwali in Mum

Washington/Mumbai, Oct 28: After indications that Diwali in Mumbai will be dampened by the firecracker ban put in place in view of Barack Obama's visit, it has now emerged that the US president himself will be celebrating the festival of lights in the Indian city with children.

Barack Obama, who seemed like a party pooper to the thousands in Mumbai who wished to celebrate Diwali with a bang, will reportedly be celebrating Diwali with school children along with First Lady Michelle.

According to the detailed schedule of the President released by US officials, Obama, who will land in India on Nov 6, is scheduled to visit a local school to participate in some Diwali celebrations on day two (Nov 7).

This may come as a relief to Mumbaikars, who have been asked to refrain from using firecrackers - not due to environmental concerns but because the festival coincides with Barack Obama's visit.

The dikat was prompted to ensure there are no false alarms raised because of crackers.

Reporting on the schedule of the President, a Wall Street Journal blog humorously remarked, "presumably no firecrackers which would freak out the Secret Service".

For Barack Obama, this is not exactly his first Diwali celebrations. It can be recalled that in 2009, the President celebrated the festival at the White House.

Obama lit a traditional 'Diya' (lamp), signifying the "triumph of good over evil", in the first ever Diwali celebrations at the White House.

OneIndia News