New Delhi, Oct. 21 -- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, the first Indian-American to head the agency, faced a wave of online backlash in the United States after extending Diwali greetings on social media.

Mr Patel, who made history earlier this year when he took charge of the FBI and took his oath of office with his hand on the Bhagavad Gita, posted a simple message on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to mark the festival.

"Happy Diwali - celebrating the Festival of Lights around the world, as good triumphs over evil. A very Happy Diwali to all," he wrote.

While the message was welcomed by many, it also sparked a torrent of hostile responses from some users in the US.

"Sir, please don't promote the festivals of ...