President Joe Biden will host his final Diwali reception at the White House on Monday evening, marking a continued tradition from previous years. The event will see a large gathering of Indian-Americans from across the country, all coming together to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
As a symbol of the occasion, President Biden will light a Diya lamp in the Blue Room before delivering remarks to the attendees. This year’s Diwali celebration holds particular significance as it will be Biden’s last as President, as he has chosen not to run for re-election.
The White House announced that President Biden will be introducing a special video message from Sunita Williams, a decorated NASA astronaut and retired Navy Captain. Williams, currently serving as Commander of the International Space Station, will be sending Diwali greetings from her unique vantage point in orbit.
Williams, a practicing Hindu, has previously sent Diwali greetings from the ISS to people around the world. She is known for her commitment to her heritage and has even brought Indian cultural items, including samosas and copies of the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita, with her into space as a celebration of her cultural identity.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, Nootana, a classical South Asian dance and music ensemble based in Washington, D.C., will provide musical entertainment for guests, alongside the Marine Corps Band.
Last year, after the Diwali celebration, President Biden shared a video of the festivities on X (formerly Twitter) showing him lighting a diya with First Lady Jill Biden at the White House. He expressed the significance of the festival, stating, “Today, Jill and I lit the diya to symbolize 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.”
Biden’s Diwali celebration video was widely acknowledged and shared, showcasing the importance of the festival and its message of unity and light to a global audience. This year’s celebration promises to be just as meaningful, highlighting the strong bond between the United States and the Indian-American community.
