Biden celebrates Diwali at White House with South Asian Americans

President Joe Biden acknowledged the pivotal role of South Asian Americans in his administration as he hosted a vibrant Diwali celebration at the White House with over 600 guests from the community.

Absent from the event Monday were Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, out campaigning for Harris’ presidential bid.

The evening featured a video message from Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams, sharing her reflections from the International Space Station.

Biden also reminisced about the inaugural Diwali celebration during his vice presidency amid a wave of hostility toward immigrants. Celebrating the contributions of the South Asian community, he urged attendees to recognize the critical decisions shaping America’s future.

Biden lit the traditional Diwali lamp, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. The event was attended by government officials, Indian American community leaders, and celebrities, reflecting the growing influence of the community in the United States.

“This is not my house; this is your house,” said Biden. “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.”

Reflecting on the journey of American democracy, Biden highlighted that the United States is grounded in inclusivity and evolution, values that resonate deeply with Diwali’s themes of resilience and renewal.

Addressing a diverse audience, Biden reminded them of the country’s shared historical journey, urging Americans to embrace democracy’s resilience and the importance of engaging in open discourse while remembering their shared goals.

READ: Indians celebrate Diwali at New York’s Times Square (October 22, 2024)

“American Democracy has never been easy,” he said. “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.” This perspective, he argued, is essential for unity in a rapidly diversifying country.

Biden has consistently promoted inclusivity, particularly through the representation of South Asian Americans within the administration. He specifically acknowledged Harris and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy as leaders who reflect America’s diverse cultural fabric.

Inviting Americans from all backgrounds to embrace Diwali’s message of light over darkness and shared renewal, he thanked the South Asian community for their contributions and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a nation where every community’s heritage is celebrated.

The White House has celebrated Diwali for over two decades, beginning with President George W. Bush in 2003. Since then, Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump continued the tradition, with Obama famously lighting a diya in the Oval Office and Trump hosting Diwali celebrations alongside his daughter Ivanka and Indian American officials.

READ: Diwali to become a school holiday in New York (June 27, 2023)

Biden’s event upheld this legacy of inclusivity, featuring ceremonial diya lighting, traditional Indian performances, and decorations capturing the festival’s spirit of light and unity.

Biden also paid tribute to the South Asian American community, which he described as “the fastest-growing and most engaged community” in the United States, highlighting its significant contributions to technology, education, and healthcare. “The South Asian American community has enriched every part of American life,” he noted, acknowledging the community’s role in shaping modern America.