DEEPAWALI IS JOYOUS CULTURAL CELEBRATION GLOBALLY

PRESIDENT BIDEN, WHOSE ADMINISTRATION BOASTS ONE OF THE LARGEST CONTINGENTS OF INDIAN AMERICANS, HAS NOW TAKEN DEEPAWALI TO THE NEXT LEVEL BY CELEBRATING THE HINDU FESTIVAL WITH A SPECIAL EVENT AT WHITE HOUSE

- AVATANS KUMAR

With 200 guests in attendance, US President Joe Biden hosted the largest Diwali celebration ever at the White House, in Washington, DC, on October 24. First Lady Jill Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, two Indian American members of Congress Ro Khanna of California and Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy, several members of the Biden administration, and members of the diaspora joined President Biden in the special ceremony.

The tradition of hosting a Diwali event at the White House began with President George W Bush in 2003. In 2009, President Barack Obama became the first President to participate in Diwali celebrations at the White House. ThenVice President Biden hosted a Diwali reception in 2016. President Donald Trump, the White House occupant after Obama, continued the tradition.

SPECIAL TREATMENT TO THE HINDU FESTIVAL TO THE NEXT LEVEL

President Biden, whose administration boasts one of the largest contingents of Indian Americans, has now taken this ritual to the next level. “This is the first Diwali reception of this scale in the White House ever to be held," said President Biden as he welcomed guests at the White House. As Biden wished over a billion Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists in the US, India, and worldwide, he thanked the optimism, courage and empathy demonstrated by the South Asian community across America.

During Diwali celebrations, Kamala Harris also delivered remarks from the White House. “White House is the people's house, and together our President and First Lady have made this place where every American can celebrate their honour and tradition," said Harris.