US President Joe Biden will mark Diwali on Monday evening by hosting hundreds of Indian-Americans from all corners of the country at the White House, in what would be his last as President, the White House said in a statement. The day promises to be an unforgettable tribute to Indian heritage and culture, underlining growing ties between the US and the Indian-American community.
Continuing a tradition from previous years, the President will light a Diya lamp in the Blue Room before his remarks, the White House said. After this, he would deliver remarks before a gathering of Indian-Americans, for whom he is hosting a reception. This would be President Biden's last Diwali reception at the White House as he is not running for the presidential election.
The president's introductions will include a videotaped message from Sunita Williams, a decorated NASA astronaut and retired Navy Captain. She recorded the greeting from aboard the International Space Station, where she assumed command in September, the White House said. A practising Hindu, Sunita Williams has sent greetings to people around the world from the ISS on previous Diwali nights.
She also brought multiple Indian/Hindu cultural items like samosas and Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita print outs, it said as part of the celebration of her heritage. Entertain the guests with their performances on a classical South Asian dance and music ensemble besides Marine Corps Band, added White House regarding the Nootana which has its origin based in Washington, DC.
The US President had posted a video on microblogging platform X after Diwali last year where he can be seen lighting a diya with the United States First Lady Jill Biden at the White House. "Today, Jill and I lit the diyas to symbolize Diwali's messages of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of hate and division," he said. May we embrace the indomitable spirit of this holiday and of our nation-and reflect on the strength of our shared light," he posted.
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