October 30, 2016: The UN celebrated Diwali for the first time this year.

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

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"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," Akbaruddin added.

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From this year, Diwali was made an optional holiday at the UN and a "Happy Diwali" message was displayed on the UN building. (IANS)