Trump goes on bizarre autism rant during White House Diwali celebration
As millions lit their lamps across the country, the president took the opportunity to spout his health secretary's unfounded claims about the rise in autism cases
President Donald Trump said the "autism situation is crazy" as he again pushed unfounded claims about the condition during the White House Diwali celebration.
On Monday, the Trump administration celebrated Diwali, which marks the Hindu festival symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. As millions lit their lamps across the country, the president took the opportunity to spout his health secretary's false claims about the rise in cases over the last two decades.
"The autism situation is just crazy when you think of it. You go back 20 years, it was one in 20,000. And now, it's one in 12. Is that hard to believe?"
Diwali, which comes from the phrase "Deepavali," which means "a row of lights," is usually observed by getting together with friends and family and sharing presents. Based on the Hindu lunar calendar, the celebration usually takes place in late October or early November.
Markets were packed with people looking to purchase candles, lanterns, and flowers.
In the state of Uttar Pradesh, the festivities were particularly noticeable in the city of Ayodhya. According to Hindu belief, the god Lord Ram was born there and returned after being exiled for 14 years. To celebrate his arrival home, they burn earthen lamps.
Over 2.6 million lamps were ignited on the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya as dusk fell on Sunday, maintaining the Guinness World Record set the previous year. In unison, at least 2,100 Hindu priests offered prayers, their chants resonating along the glistening riverbank.
In addition, the holy city was decked out in fairy lights, and its streets and riverbanks were illuminated by a laser and fireworks display. At homes and temples, thousands of locals ignited lamps.
More than 33,000 people, according to officials, assisted in lighting the lanterns. 1.6 million lanterns were made by about 40 families from neighboring villages. The city was lighted using 5.5 million cotton wicks and at least 73,000 liters of oil.
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“It is hard work lighting diyas (oil lamps) one by one,” said 19-year-old volunteer Rachit Singh who spoke with PBS, his face glowing in the firelight. “But when you see the whole ghat (stairs to the river) light up, every bit of effort feels worth it.”
Because smoke-emitting firecrackers produce hazardous haze that might take days to disperse, worries about air pollution have clouded New Delhi's Diwali celebrations in recent years.