White House Celebrates Diwali with Indian American Community
On October 28, the White House hosted a vibrant Diwali celebration, highlighting the contributions of Indian Americans to the US-India relationship. The event featured the White House military band playing the traditional prayer “Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare,” as shared by Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, on social media. The White House was beautifully decorated with marigold flowers, and guests donned traditional Indian attire.
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, praised the event, emphasizing the significance of Diwali and the invaluable contributions of the Indian American community. He expressed hope that the light of Diwali would illuminate every corner of the world, spreading peace and prosperity.
This celebration marked the last Diwali event hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House. Over the years, their Diwali celebrations have added a unique touch to this luminous tradition. The White House shared pictures of the event, extending Diwali greetings and highlighting the festival’s significance.
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White House -: The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. It is located in Washington, D.C.
Diwali -: Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India and by Indian communities worldwide. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Indian American -: Indian Americans are people in the United States who have ancestry from India. They are part of the larger Asian American community.
Military band -: A military band is a group of musicians who perform music for military events and ceremonies. They often play patriotic and traditional songs.
Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare -: Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare is a popular Hindu devotional song, often sung during prayers and religious ceremonies. It praises Lord Vishnu, a major deity in Hinduism.
IMF -: IMF stands for International Monetary Fund, an organization that works to promote global economic stability and growth. Gita Gopinath is a prominent economist associated with the IMF.
US Ambassador -: A US Ambassador is a representative of the United States government in another country. Eric Garcetti is the US Ambassador to India.
President Joe Biden -: Joe Biden is the current President of the United States, having taken office in January 2021. He is the 46th president of the country.
First Lady Jill Biden -: Jill Biden is the wife of President Joe Biden and serves as the First Lady of the United States. She is involved in various social and educational initiatives.