US President Joe Biden hosted a Diwali event at the White House on Monday night. During this time, he lit a lamp. More than 600 Indian-American citizens, including lawmakers and senior officials, attended the event.
Continuing the tradition of celebrating Diwali at the White House, President Biden said, As President, I am honored to have the opportunity to host Diwali events at the White House.
However, Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Jill Biden were unable to attend the ceremony at the White House. President Biden said First Lady Jill Biden wanted to be here, but she was heading to Wisconsin, where Kamala Harris was also campaigning. You know, I chose Kamala as my partner for a lot of reasons. He is smart and trustworthy.
Biden said the South Asian American community enriches every aspect of American life. It is the fastest growing community in the world. Diwali is now celebrated proudly at the White House.
Biden lit the lamp at the White House and said the South Asian American community enriches every aspect of American life. this is true. It is one of the fastest growing and most active communities in the country.
The History of the White House Diwali Party
In 2003, then-US President George W. Bush started the tradition of celebrating Diwali at the White House. However, he never attended the Diwali celebrations in person.
But in 2009, after Barack Obama became president, he personally attended a Diwali party at the White House.
He celebrated Diwali by lighting a lamp at the White House. Since then, Donald Trump has furthered this tradition when he became president in 2017. But in 2022, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted the largest Diwali party ever at the White House. More than 200 guests were invited during the period.
Vice President Kamala Harris organized a Diwali party at her official residence in 2023.
Let us tell you that like every year, the Indian diaspora in the US is celebrating Diwali with great enthusiasm this year too. Diwali is being celebrated from New York to San Francisco, Ohio, New Jersey and California. In Hindu temples in America, mantras are recited and prayers are performed on a large scale.
