Close X
Saturday, November 23, 2024
ADVT 
International

President Biden to celebrate Diwali with Indian-Americans at White House today

Darpan News Desk IANS, 31 Oct, 2024 09:46 AM
  • President Biden to celebrate Diwali with Indian-Americans at White House today

US President Joe Biden will celebrate Diwali in the evening with a large number of Indian-Americans from across the country at the White House, his last as the President, the White House said in a statement.

The day promises to be a memorable tribute to Indian heritage and culture, emphasising the growing bond between the US and the Indian-American community.

Continuing a tradition from previous years, the President will light a Diya lamp in the Blue Room before his remarks, the White House said.

After this, he would deliver remarks before a gathering of Indian-Americans, for whom he is hosting a reception.

This would be President Biden's last Diwali reception at the White House as he is not running for the presidential election.

Among the President's introductions will be a video message from Sunita Williams, a decorated NASA astronaut and retired Navy Captain.

She recorded a video greeting from the International Space Station (ISS), where she took over as Commander in September, the White House said.

Sunita Williams is a practising Hindu and has previously sent Diwali greetings from the ISS to people across the globe.

She has also brought multiple Indian/Hindu cultural items, including samosas and copies of Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita with her to space in celebration of her heritage, it said.

Nootana, a classical South Asian dance and music ensemble based in Washington, DC, will provide musical entertainment for guests, in addition to the Marine Corps Band, the White House added.

Last year after the Diwali celebration, the US President shared a video of the festivities on microblogging platform X in which he was seen lighting a diya with US First Lady Jill Biden at the White House.

"Today, Jill and I lit the diya to symbolise Diwali's message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of hate and division. May we embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation – and reflect on the strength of our shared light," he posted.

Photo courtesy of X.com/POTUS

 

MORE International ARTICLES

Israel strikes Hamas stronghold in Jabalia refugee camp

Israel strikes Hamas stronghold in Jabalia refugee camp
Israeli media has reported that Israeli forces had captured a main Hamas outpost in the area, and found tunnels and weapons, the BBC reported. A UN report from Wednesday indicated that "more than 100 people were killed, and many others injured, in heavy bombardments of multiple residential buildings in the Jabalia camp".

Israel strikes Hamas stronghold in Jabalia refugee camp

Gunman among 3 killed in shooting on university campus in Las Vegas

Gunman among 3 killed in shooting on university campus in Las Vegas
In Washington, D.C., the White House said it is monitoring the shooting reported at UNLV. UNLV has a student enrollment of about 25,400 undergraduates and 4,300 graduates.  

Gunman among 3 killed in shooting on university campus in Las Vegas

Trump's top Indian-origin ally says his admin will target media if re-elected

Trump's top Indian-origin ally says his admin will target media if re-elected
A top Indian-origin aide to Donald Trump has threatened action against people in the media -- "criminally or civilly" -- if the former president storms back to power in 2024. Kashyap 'Kash' Patel, who was Trump's counter-terrorism adviser on the National Security Council and chief of staff to the acting secretary of defence, made the remarks on Steve Bannon's War Room podcast.

Trump's top Indian-origin ally says his admin will target media if re-elected

Rishi Sunak in danger of losing his Premiership

Rishi Sunak in danger of losing his Premiership
Rishi Sunak, 42, the Indian-origin British Prime Minister, is fighting with his back to the wall to save his premiership as well as his political career. Sunak, who has staked his future on passing an immigration bill in the British Parliament, which, he thinks, will ensure asylum seekers to the United Kingdom are sent to Rwanda and consequently deter such people from illegally coming to Britain. The United Kingdom has signed an agreement with Rwanda to despatch illegal immigrants to the east African country.

Rishi Sunak in danger of losing his Premiership

Probe launched into input received from US concerning national security: Jaishankar

Probe launched into input received from US concerning national security: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said that the government has launched an inquiry on the input it received from the US as it has a bearing on India's national security. Jaishankar made the remarks while responding to a question by CPI-M Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas.  

Probe launched into input received from US concerning national security: Jaishankar

Israel urges international action to get 138 hostages freed

Israel urges international action to get 138 hostages freed
A total of 110 hostages taken during the October 7 attacks on Israel have been released -- 78 were freed during a six-day ceasefire at the end of November as part of a deal between Israel and Hamas.

Israel urges international action to get 138 hostages freed