Biden, Announced The Organizing Of The Largest Diwali Celebration Ever In The White House

On October 29, 2024, President Joe Biden commemorated the momentous occasion by holding the largest ever Diwali celebration in the history of the White House, with more than 600 guests in attendance. The event was organized to honor the Festival of Lights and to also appreciate the need for diversity in his administration. 

This was during the gala when President Biden spoke of the indispensable South Asian Americans, giving preference to figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris among other senior officials. Many of them could not attend due to the campaign or the ongoing primaries, but the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, and Harris were there in spirit. The week also had important figures like U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and NASA astronaut Sunita Williams who talked from space, adding a special dimension to the celebrations.

And as Biden performed the ritual of lighting a traditional diya, he spoke about how South Asian Americans have fought for their place in the U.S. democracy and he voiced his concerns about the growing tide of anti-immigrant narratives in 2024. His theme of belongingness and oneness however prevailed all through the program, reinforcing the fact that his administration has a place for all the colours of America. This Diwali festivities did not just illuminate the White House, but also offered illumination to the people from every corner of the world.