Washington: The White House said in a statement that US President Joe Biden would celebrate Diwali on Monday evening with a large number of Indian-Americans from across the country at the White House, his last as President.
This would be President Biden’s last Diwali reception at the White House as he is not running for the presidential election.
The day promises to be a memorable tribute to Indian heritage and culture, emphasising the growing bond between the US and the Indian-American community.
The White House said that continuing a tradition from previous years, the President would light a Diya lamp in the Blue Room before his remarks.
After this, he would deliver remarks before a gathering of Indian-Americans, for whom he is hosting a reception.
Among the President’s introductions will be a video message from Sunita Williams, a decorated NASA astronaut and retired Navy Captain.
The White House said she recorded a video greeting from the International Space Station (ISS), where she took over as Commander in September.
Sunita Williams is a practising Hindu who has previously sent Diwali greetings from the ISS to people worldwide.
It said she has also brought multiple Indian/Hindu cultural items, including samosas and copies of Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita, to the space to celebrate her heritage.
The White House added that Nootana, a classical South Asian dance and music ensemble based in Washington, DC, will provide musical entertainment for guests in addition to the Marine Corps Band.
Last year, after the Diwali celebration, the US President shared a video of the festivities on microblogging platform X, where he was seen lighting a diya with US First Lady Jill Biden at the White House.
“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,” he posted.
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–IANS
