Biden to celebrate Diwali at White House, will feature message from Sunita Williams

US President Joe Biden will celebrate Diwali at the White House on Monday evening along with several Indian Americans. Like last year, he, along with First Lady Jill Biden, will start the celebrations by lighting a diya in the Blue Room.

Following this, the US President will address the gathering of Indian Americans, for whom he will be hosting a reception, the White House said, news agency PTI reported. This will mark Biden’s last Diwali reception at the White House, as he has pulled back his name from the US presidential elections in July this year.

The White House announced that President Biden’s introduction would include a video message from Sunita Williams, a NASA astronaut and retired Navy captain. Williams recorded her message from the International Space Station, where she assumed command in September.

Williams, a practising Hindu, has previously sent Diwali greetings from the ISS to people worldwide. She has also celebrated her heritage in space by bringing cultural items, such as samosas and copies of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, according to the White House.

In addition to the Marine Corps Band, musical entertainment will be provided by Nootana, a Washington-based ensemble specialising in classical South Asian dance and music. Last year, President Biden shared a video of the festivities on his official X handle, where he could be seen lighting a diya with the US First Lady 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 had posted last year on X.