UN celebrates Diwali for the first time

United Nations: India's festival of lights, Diwali, was celebrated for the first time at the United Nations headquarters here as the world body put up a giant banner wishing "Happy Diwali". "Lighting up. @UN lights up for #Diwali for 1st time," India's permanent representative at the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted along with the picture of the Headquarters. "Happy Diwali! @UN celebrates Diwali for the 1st time.

Thank you @UN_PGA for this initiative," Akbaruddin said. After an overwhelming vote in favour of Yoga Day, the celebration of Diwali by the UN is being seen as a major achievement of India's "soft diplomacy". (UNI)