US President Donald Trump joined Indian-American leaders for a Diwali celebration at the White House. The event included a traditional diya lighting ceremony, while Indian entrepreneur Vishal Gondal presented Trump with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa.
US President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House on Friday, November 6, bringing together Indian-American leaders, business executives and senior officials.
The celebration took place in the Oval Office, where Trump lit a traditional diya to mark the festival of lights. Several well-known Indian-origin personalities attended the gathering, including India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra and celebrity chef Vikas Khanna.
One of the highlights of the event was a special gift from Indian entrepreneur Vishal Gondal, who presented Trump with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa.
Trump Lights Diya During White House Diwali Celebration
The celebrations began with Trump lighting a diya in the Oval Office. The gathering included prominent members of the Indian-American community and senior figures from the US administration.
Among those present were Secretary of State Marco Rubio, FBI Director Kash Patel, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna and Micron Technology CEO Sanjay Mehrotra.
US National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya and Social Security Administration Deputy Commissioner Arjun Mody also attended the event.
The gathering brought together leaders from business, government and public life to mark one of India’s biggest festivals.
Indian Entrepreneur Vishal Gondal Gifts Hanuman Chalisa to Trump
Vishal Gondal, founder and CEO of GOQii Technologies, presented Trump with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa.
Gondal later shared photographs from the celebration on social media platform X. He described the occasion as a moment of shared light in the Oval Office.
He also explained that the Hanuman Chalisa, written by poet Tulsidas, is recited by millions of people for courage, devotion and strength.
Gondal said his prayer during the diya lighting was for friendship between India and the United States. He also shared wishes for peace, prosperity and good health.
Indian-American Leaders and Business Heads Attend Event
The guest list included several prominent Indian-origin personalities.
Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, former Canadian parliamentarian Ruby Dhalla and entrepreneur Rajiv Sharma were among the other guests.
The presence of leaders from technology, business and public service made the gathering an important occasion for the Indian-American community.
India’s Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra also attended the celebration, highlighting the cultural connection between the two countries.
When Did the White House Diwali Tradition Begin?
The tradition of celebrating Diwali at the White House began in 2003 under former US President George W. Bush.
In its early years, the celebrations were mainly held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Indian-American community members and Indian diplomats were among those invited.
In 2009, former President Barack Obama became the first US President to light a diya at the White House. The ceremony took place in the East Room.
Since then, Diwali celebrations and lamp-lighting ceremonies have been held at different locations inside the White House, including the Oval Office and the Roosevelt Room.
Trump’s participation in this year’s celebration continues a tradition that has lasted for more than two decades.
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