On Monday, 28th October, US President Joe Biden celebrated Diwali at the White House. He addressed more than 600 eminent American-Indian personalities.
Biden expressed his gratefulness and said, “As President, I have been honoured to host the biggest Diwali receptions ever at the White House. To me, it means a great deal. As Senator, Vice President, and President, South Asian Americans have been key members of my staff.”
“From Kamala to Dr. Murthy to so many of you here today, I'm proud that I kept my commitment to have an administration that looks like America,” he further added.
Biden emphasized on the power to be the light and said, “An Irish Catholic President, Vice President at the time, opened our home for holiday celebrations by Hindus, Buddhists, Jainists, Sikhs, and more. How America reminds us all of our power to be the light, all of us. On this day in America, we think about that journey of light. Early in our nation's founding, a generation before diya, in the shadow of suspicion, now in a time Diwali is celebrated openly and proudly here in the White House.”
Congressman Thanedar shared about the event and said, “This is such an exciting event, President Biden lit the diya. This is a celebration of the Indian-American community. Indian-Americans are doing so much (in the US) in every walk of life, including politics. And very soon, we will have our first 'desi' President, Kamala Harris. This is an amazing accomplishment for the community.”
“By delivering Michigan to Kamala Harris. We are working very hard. Without Michigan, no one could be President. I am campaigning, going door-to-door telling people why they should vote for Kamala Harris,” he further added.
Diwali will be celebrated for 5 days. It will begin with Dhanteras and end with Bhai Dooj. This five-day festival will begin on 29th October with Dhanteras and conclude on 3rd November with Bhai Dooj. Deepawali aka Diwali is an ancient Hindu festival. The word Deepawali means a row of lights and people celebrate it by lighting up their homes and surroundings in order to welcome happiness and prosperity.