Diwali Celebration in the US: President Biden Extends Diwali Greetings, White House Hosts Celebration
Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Joe Biden hosted a grand Diwali celebration at the White House on Monday, with over 600 prominent Indian Americans, including members of Congress, officials, and corporate leaders, joining the event.
In his speech, Biden praised the South Asian American community for enriching American life in many ways, calling them one of the fastest-growing and most connected communities globally. He expressed pride in openly celebrating Diwali at the White House, calling it a significant honor to host the largest-ever Diwali reception.
Reflecting on the contributions of South Asian Americans, Biden noted that they bring vitality to U.S. life and remarked on the country’s “transformative moment.” He urged those present not to take America’s ideals lightly. Acknowledging the challenges to democracy, Biden stressed the importance of unity and historical awareness.
He mentioned that South Asian Americans have held key roles in his staff throughout his career and noted the absence of Vice President Kamala Harris, who was on a campaign trip, and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who was traveling in Wisconsin.
The White House Diwali celebrations began in 2003 with President George W. Bush. Since then, President Obama lit a Diya in the Oval Office, and Biden, as Vice President, hosted a Diwali event in 2016. President Trump also honoured the tradition in 2017 with his daughter Ivanka and Indian American staff members.
In a message from space, astronaut Sunita Williams shared her Diwali greetings from the International Space Station. She expressed gratitude for her father’s teachings on Indian culture, celebrating Diwali as a reminder of the triumph of good in the world.
In the United States, there are about 5.4 million people of Indian origin, according to a survey by the American think tank Pew Research Centre. Among them, 48% are Hindu. In certain areas of six states, the percentage of Indian-Americans ranges from 6-18%. The largest populations are found in California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Illinois.
Over 130 people of Indian origin hold key positions in the Biden administration. Additionally, about 38% of doctors in the U.S. are of Indian origin, making Indian-Americans the highest-earning ethnic group in the country.