WASHINGTON:
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 the President, the White House said in a statement.
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.
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.
Among the President’s introductions will be a video message from Sunita Williams, a decorated NASA astronaut and retired Navy Captain.
She recorded a video greeting from the International Space Station (ISS), where she took over as Commander in September, the White House said.
Sunita Williams is a practising Hindu and has previously sent Diwali greetings from the ISS to people across the globe.
She has also brought multiple Indian/Hindu cultural items, including samosas and copies of Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita with her to space in celebration of her heritage, it said.
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, the White House added.
Last year after the Diwali celebration, the US President shared a video of the festivities on microblogging platform X in which 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.
more recommended stories
Australia: Three Dead After Light Planes Collide in SydneySYDNEY:Three people were dead after two.
Kenya to Promote Peace with Uganda, South Sudan Through Cultural FestivalsNAIROBI:Kenyan President William Ruto pledged to.
South Korea to Launch 3rd Military Spy Satellite in DecemberSEOUL:South Korea plans to launch its.
Don’t Look at CPEC Through Political Prism: Pak PM Indirectly Hits at IndiaISLAMABAD:Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif indirectly.
UN Allocates Additional Fund to Address Deteriorating Situation in LebanonUNITED NATIONS:Given the worsening humanitarian needs.
Biden Deploys Soldiers to Tackle Hurricane Helene as Death Toll Mounts to 175WASHINGTON:US President Joe Biden on Wednesday.
New Leadership, New Challenges: Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Vision for Sri LankaCOLOMBO:Sri Lanka ns voted for a.
Pope Francis Calls for Aung San Suu Kyi’s Liberation and Offers Vatican Safe HavenVATICAN:Pope Francis has called for the.
‘Perfect Storm’ Looms for Catastrophic Loss of Life in Sudan: UNUNITED NATIONS:The lethal combination of hunger,.
North Korea Floats 190 Trash Balloons in Resumed CampaignSEOUL:North Korea has launched around 190.