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Biden to celebrate Diwali with Indian Americans at White House
President Biden will mark Diwali with a special reception honoring the Indian American community.
Glimpses of the Diwali Celebration 2023 at the White House / X/@htTweets
President Joe Biden along with the First Lady Jill Biden will celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with a reception at the White House on Oct. 28, 2024.
This is a continuation of Diwali’s celebration at the White House every year in his presidency.
This annual tradition underscores the administration’s commitment to encourage diversity and its acknowledgment of the vibrant Indian American community within the United States.
Ceremony to be Held at White House's Blue Room
The Diwali celebration will begin in the evening with President Biden lighting a ceremonial Diya lamp in the White House's Blue Room—a symbol of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Following this symbolic gesture, he will address the assembled guests, including prominent Indian American community leaders, cultural figures, and representatives from various sectors.
Adding a special touch to the evening, NASA astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams, a decorated astronaut and retired Navy Captain, will introduce the President with a video message recorded from the International Space Station (ISS). Williams, who took over as ISS Commander in September, is a practicing Hindu who has celebrated Diwali from space in previous missions.
Known for honoring her Indian heritage, Williams has previously brought cultural items to space, including samosas and sacred texts such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita along with an idol of Ganesha, a Hindu deity. Williams’s message, which will play for attendees, reflects the pride and connection Indian Americans maintain with their roots, even from the vast expanse of space.
Depiction of Art Forms
The event will feature performances by Nootana, a classical South Asian dance and music ensemble based in Washington, DC. Known for their traditional South Asian performances, Nootana's artists will share India’s rich cultural heritage through their expressive dances and melodies, providing guests with an immersive experience.
The Marine Corps Band will also perform, adding an American touch to the evening’s entertainment. This blend of cultural and patriotic performances exemplifies the spirit of Diwali as a festival that celebrates unity, diversity, and harmony.
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