US President Donald Trump is facing criticism on social media for failing to mention Hinduism in his tweets while marking Diwali celebrations.
President Trump hosted a group of Indian staff members and diplomatic officials at the White House.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai, deputy press secretary Raj Shah and Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna were among those in attendance.
"Our nation is blessed to be home to millions of hardworking citizens of Indian and Southeast Asian heritage, who enrich our country in countless ways. Together we are one proud American family," Mr Trump said.
Source: Twitter/Donald Trump
"I’m thrilled to be here for the celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
"We’re gathered today to celebrate a very special holiday observed by Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains throughout the United States and around the world," he added.
This same remark was tweeted but many on Twitter were quick to call him out for not mentioning Hindus in the tweet.
Diwali, the five-day festival of lights, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals and is observed by more than a billion people worldwide.
However, twenty minutes later, another tweet followed, this time mentioning Hindus.
According to the , President Barack Obama was both the first US president to hold a Diwali celebration at the White House in 2009 and also the first US president to light a diya in the Oval Office in 2016.
