US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host their last Diwali celebration at the White House on Monday evening, marking a continuation of their commitment to celebrating cultural diversity in America.
US President Joe Biden to celebrate Diwali at White House
The festivities will begin with the traditional lighting of the diya in the Blue Room, followed by a reception for Indian American guests. The celebration will feature a special video message from NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who recently assumed command of the International Space Station in September.
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams to send feature message
Williams, a practising Hindu, has a history of celebrating her heritage in space, having previously sent Diwali greetings from the ISS. The White House noted that she has carried cultural items including samosas and religious texts like the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita during her space missions.
The evening’s entertainment will showcase a blend of American and South Asian culture, with performances by the Marine Corps Band and Nootana, a Washington-based ensemble known for classical South Asian dance and music.
Previous Diwali celebration by Joe Biden
Last year’s celebration set a precedent when Biden shared the moment on social media platform X, writing: “Today, Jill and I lit the diya to symbolise Diwali’s message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of hate and division. May we embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation – and reflect on the strength of our shared light.”
This Diwali celebration gains additional significance as it will be Biden’s final such event at the White House, following his announcement in July to withdraw from the upcoming presidential elections.
The White House celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights, has become an important tradition symbolizing the growing influence and recognition of the Indian American community in American cultural and political life.
