Washington (US): On Monday, the White House hosted the largest Diwali celebration in history, which included several Indian Americans from the Biden administration.

“Honored to have you as our guest. The White House has never before hosted a Diwali reception of this size. We want to congratulate you for making the Diwali festival a joyful part of American culture as there are now more Asian Americans than ever before “During a celebration of Diwali at the White House, Vice President Joe Biden of the United States remarked. Biden congratulated the Asian American community and wished the more than one billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists participating in this Festival of Lights a happy Diwali.

We are honoured to host you. This is first Diwali recpetion of this scale in the White House ever to be held. We have more Asian-Americans than ever before in history and we want to thank you for making Diwali celebration a joyous part of American culture: US President Joe Biden pic.twitter.com/HqxUgebbl7

— ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2022

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“As we host the official White House Diwali reception, we are honoured to light the diya surrounded by members of the most diverse Administration in American history–led by Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black American and South Asian American to become Vice President.”

Biden said he is grateful for the optimism, courage, and empathy demonstrated by the incredible South Asian community all across America.

“Together, South Asian Americans reflect the soul of who we are as a nation, whether helping us emerge stronger from this pandemic, building an economy that works for everyone, or serving and protecting our communities and our country.”

As the world celebrates this gathering of light, he said, “as this community has experienced too often–that there is always darkness lurking. American history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal and the harsh reality that we have never fully lived up to it. By marking the victory of light over darkness, Diwali is a reminder that each of us has the power to bring light to the world, whether here in America or around the world.”

“With prayers, dances, fireworks, and sweets, Biden said may all who observe Diwali enjoy the chance to celebrate and connect, to feel the pride of the community, and to remember the power in the gathering of light.”

Also speaking from the White House on the occasion of Diwali celebrations was US vice president Kamala Harris. “The White House is the people’s house,” she declared. “Our president and first lady have created a space here where every American may honour their traditions and heritage.”

Vice President Harris stated that the Biden administration will light the “Diya” tonight in celebration of the struggle between light and darkness, wisdom and ignorance, and good over evil.

Additionally, Jill Biden, the first lady of the United States, hailed the Asian American community for “helping us light our way forward.”