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 reported.
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.
