‘Diwali now celebrated openly and proudly’: Biden lights a diya at White House – Times of India

US President Joe Biden marked Diwali with a grand celebration at the White House on Monday, extending his greetings to Americans and honoring the contributions of the South Asian American community. The event, attended by over 600 prominent Indian Americans—including Congress members, officials, and corporate leaders—showcased the festival’s growing significance in the American society.
The event, marked by vibrant colors, traditional performances, and an esteemed guest list of over 600 prominent Indian Americans, reinforced Diwali’s significance across the United States.
Biden, who lit the formal diya in the Blue Room of the White House, hailed the South Asian American community, describing it as “the fastest-growing and most engaged community in the world.”
Biden said, “The South Asian American community has enriched every part of American life,” Biden said, “Now, Diwali is celebrated openly and proudly in the White House.”
During his address, Biden invoked the country’s complex journey towards unity, highlighting that American democracy, with its unique challenges, thrives on diversity. He said, “This is not my house; this is your house… In a country as diverse as ours, we debate, we dissent, but we never lose sight of how we got here and why.”
The Diwali festivities at the White House have a storied history. Beginning with President George Bush in 2003, who initiated the tradition, the Diwali celebration was later embraced by President Barack Obama, who famously lit a diya in the Oval Office. Biden himself hosted a Diwali reception at the vice president’s residence in 2016, and President Donald Trump continued the tradition with his own celebration in 2017.
This year’s event also featured remarks from notable figures, including US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and retired Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams, who sent a recorded message from the International Space Station.
Biden’s closing remarks were deeply personal, reflecting his commitment to fostering diversity and unity within his administration. “As President, I’ve been honored to host the biggest Diwali receptions ever at the White House,” he shared, expressing pride in fulfilling his promise to make his administration representative of America’s diverse fabric, with figures like vice president Kamala Harris and Dr Vivek Murthy serving key roles.
In lighting the diya, Biden acknowledged the symbolic journey of light—a theme central to Diwali—echoing a message of resilience. “In America, everything runs deep, especially the courage to serve, to heal, and to bear witness… to dare to dream,” he said.