United Nations celebrates Diwali for first time

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 and honour to serve India at UN. I am humbled. Thank you for all the good wishes. Will strive to do my best," Akbaruddin added.

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.