Washington DC [US], October 29, 2024: U.S. President Joe Biden extended warm Diwali greetings, underscoring the festival’s significance and its proud celebration in the White House. In his address, Biden acknowledged the profound impact of the South Asian American community, noting it as one of the “fastest-growing and most engaged” communities globally.
Speaking at the White House Diwali Celebrations on Monday, President Biden praised the community’s contributions: “The South Asian American community has enriched every part of American life,” he stated. “Yours is the fastest-growing and most engaged community in the world… Now, Diwali is celebrated openly and proudly in the White House,” he added.
The President used the occasion to speak about America’s current challenges, describing this time as an “inflection point” and urging Americans to honor the nation’s core values. He reminded those present not to take the “Idea of America” for granted, acknowledging the ongoing debates and the dissent that accompany a diverse democracy but stressing the necessity of unity and remembering America’s history.
“This is not my house; this is your house…Today we face an inflection point… Every once in a few generations we are reminded to not take the Idea of America for granted… American Democracy has never been easy. In a country as diverse as ours, we debate, we dissent… but the key is, we never lose sight of how we got here and why,” Biden said.
Reflecting on his personal connection to the festival, Biden recalled the first Diwali celebration he and First Lady Jill Biden hosted at the Vice President’s residence in 2016. He emphasized the diversity within his administration, specifically mentioning Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy as representations of the American Dream, adding, “Only in America is everything possible.”
The Diwali celebration at the White House included traditional performances, lights, music, and dance, a vibrant expression of the festival’s spirit. Diwali events at the White House have been held since President George W. Bush initiated the tradition in 2003. President Barack Obama continued the tradition, famously lighting a diya in the Oval Office, followed by then-Vice President Biden hosting a Diwali reception in 2016. President Donald Trump carried on the practice in 2017, lighting a diya alongside his daughter Ivanka and Indian American members of his administration. However, in 2018, midterm elections led to a pause in the tradition of formal Diwali celebrations at the White House.
This year’s celebration marked another chapter in honoring the festival and the deep connections between the South Asian American community and the nation’s values.
