Washington: President Joe Biden is set to celebrate Diwali at the White House on Monday evening, joining a large gathering of Indian Americans from across the nation.
In keeping with tradition, the President will light a Diya lamp in the Blue Room before delivering remarks to attendees. This event marks Biden’s final Diwali reception at the White House, as he is not seeking re-election.
Highlighting the festivities, the President will introduce a special video message from Sunita “Suni” Williams, a distinguished NASA astronaut and retired Navy Captain. Williams, who recently took command of the International Space Station, recorded her greeting from orbit.
As a practicing Hindu, Suni has previously shared Diwali greetings from the ISS, and she has brought various Indian and Hindu cultural items, including samosas and copies of the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita, to space to honor her heritage.
The celebration will also feature musical performances by Nootana, a classical South Asian dance and music ensemble based in Washington, DC, alongside the Marine Corps Band, adding to the festive atmosphere for the guests.
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