On Monday, US President Joe Biden hosted a grand Diwali celebration at the White House, recognizing the invaluable contributions of the South Asian American community and extending warm Diwali greetings to all Americans. The event, which brought together over 600 prominent Indian Americans—including members of Congress, government officials, business leaders, and cultural icons—reflected the growing cultural significance of Diwali across the United States.
The celebration was filled with vibrant colors, traditional Indian music, and dance performances that showcased the rich heritage of South Asia. The lighting of the ceremonial diya in the iconic Blue Room symbolized the triumph of light over darkness and was a centerpiece of the evening. In his address, Biden commended the South Asian American community as “the fastest-growing and most engaged community in the world,” underscoring its critical role in shaping America’s social, economic, and cultural landscape. “Diwali is now celebrated openly and proudly in the White House,” Biden declared, a testament to the festival’s integration into American mainstream culture.
Reflecting on the broader themes of Diwali, Biden spoke about America’s journey toward unity, emphasizing that the country’s strength lies in its diversity. “This is not my house; this is your house,” he told attendees, reiterating the importance of inclusivity and shared values that bind the nation together. He highlighted the significance of debate, dissent, and understanding as cornerstones of democracy and celebrated the contributions of immigrant communities in shaping the United States.
The White House Diwali tradition dates back to 2003, initiated by President George W. Bush. President Barack Obama continued the legacy by lighting a diya in the Oval Office, while Biden himself hosted a Diwali reception as Vice President in 2016. President Donald Trump carried forward the celebration in 2017, further cementing the festival’s place in the nation’s cultural fabric.
This year’s event also featured heartfelt remarks from US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who reflected on his personal connection to the festival, and a recorded message from retired NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who shared greetings from her time aboard the International Space Station. Both emphasized the values of resilience, hope, and perseverance embodied by Diwali.
Adding a personal touch to the evening, the White House showcased South Asian cuisine, including traditional sweets like laddoos and jalebis, and guests were gifted small diyas as keepsakes to commemorate the occasion. The event also highlighted the significant contributions of Indian Americans in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and education, with Biden acknowledging the community’s role in driving innovation and progress in the nation.
In his closing remarks, Biden expressed his pride in hosting one of the largest Diwali celebrations ever held at the White House. He acknowledged his administration’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, pointing to key figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman of South Asian descent to hold the office, and Dr. Vivek Murthy as representatives of America’s multicultural identity. Lighting the diya, Biden invoked Diwali’s timeless message of hope and resilience, saying, “In America, everything runs deep—our diversity, our dreams, and our determination to overcome challenges. Together, we light the way forward.”
The grand celebration resonated deeply with attendees and further reinforced Diwali’s status as a unifying cultural event, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of South Asian traditions in the broader American context.
