Washington D.C: In a vibrant celebration of Diwali at the White House, President Joe Biden will host a large gathering of Indian-Americans on Monday evening, honoring one of the most cherished traditions in Indian culture. This year’s reception, which includes a ceremonial Diya lighting in the historic Blue Room, will be particularly poignant as it marks Biden’s last Diwali celebration as President.
“The President will light a Diya lamp in the Blue Room before delivering remarks to honor the Festival of Lights,” the White House announced, noting the significance of this annual tradition in fostering community ties and celebrating cultural diversity.
Adding a unique element to this year’s event, President Biden will introduce a video message from renowned NASA astronaut and retired Navy Captain Sunita “Suni” Williams, who sent her Diwali greetings from the International Space Station (ISS). Williams, a practicing Hindu and proud of her Indian heritage, recently took command of the ISS, a role she assumed in September. She expressed her warm wishes, celebrating the global significance of Diwali from space.
“Suni has previously sent Diwali greetings from the ISS to people around the world, often bringing items symbolic of her Indian heritage—including samosas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita—to space,” the White House added. Williams’ video message underlines the broad cultural reach of the festival, which transcends borders and even extends beyond Earth.
Entertainment for the evening will include performances by Nootana, a classical South Asian dance and music ensemble based in Washington, D.C., alongside the White House Marine Corps Band, promising an evening rich in both Indian and American artistic traditions. The White House emphasized how these performances aim to “highlight the beauty and diversity” of Indian-American culture, creating a memorable evening filled with the sounds and sights of Diwali.
This celebration not only underscores the growing recognition of Diwali in the U.S. but also symbolizes the enduring connection between Indian-Americans and the broader American society, uniting both in shared respect for cultural heritage.