Diwali at the White House: Celebrating the Festival of Lights Across Cultures
This week, the White House echoed with Diwali festivities as U.S. President Joe Biden marked the Hindu festival of lights with Indian-American politicians, cultural representatives, and guests. In a poignant statement, Biden highlighted Diwali’s cultural and spiritual significance, acknowledging it as a time of reflection on the victory of light over darkness. “Earlier in our nation’s founding, generations before [you lit a] diya in the shadow of the suspicion. Now, in the [our] time, Diwali is celebrated openly and proudly here in the White House,” Biden said.
The Diwali tradition at the White House began under President Barack Obama in 2009, who along with First Lady Michelle Obama, celebrated by lighting lamps alongside Hindu priests. During the event, Obama shared the meaning of the Sanskrit shloka “Tamaso ma jyotir gama,” which translates to “Lead us from darkness to light,” emphasizing Diwali’s themes of spiritual enlightenment and community unity. Obama also paid tribute to Diwali’s significance for Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, underscoring the multicultural nature of the holiday.
Observed worldwide by over a billion people, Diwali, also called “Deepavali,” is derived from the Sanskrit words meaning “a row of lights.” As an ancient Indian festival celebrated predominantly by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, it honors various mythological narratives, all reflecting the theme of triumph over darkness and evil. Diwali is rooted in stories such as the northern Indian tale of Lord Rama’s victorious return from exile and the southern Indian legend of Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Naraka. Though varied, these stories share a central message of renewal, celebration, and thanksgiving.
The observance traditionally includes lighting diyas (oil lamps) outside homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. In India, the five-day festival is marked by family gatherings, feasts, fireworks, and exchanging sweets and gifts. Each day holds special significance: Dhanteras, the first day, is an occasion for purchasing gold, believed to bring good luck; Naraka Chaturdashi represents the removal of evil; Lakshmi Puja, the main day, is dedicated to the goddess of prosperity; Govardhan Puja celebrates Lord Krishna’s protection of his devotees; and Bhai Dooj, the final day, is for sibling appreciation and blessings.
The festival also includes unique regional customs. In southern India, celebrants take early morning oil baths symbolizing spiritual cleansing, while many communities engage in card games on Diwali night as a gesture of prosperity. Fireworks have been a mainstay in Diwali celebrations for generations; however, cities like New Delhi have introduced partial or full firework bans in recent years to combat rising pollution levels.
Diwali’s recognition at the White House has grown over the years, with each administration highlighting its significance for Indian-Americans and all communities celebrating the festival. President Donald Trump continued the tradition in 2018, stating, “Our nation is blessed to be home to millions of hardworking citizens of Indian and Southeast Asian heritage who enrich our country in countless ways.” By observing Diwali, the White House acknowledges the contributions of Indian Americans, who are now the largest Asian American group in the United States and actively contribute to the nation’s economy, politics, and culture.
According to University of California Riverside’s Professor Amanda Lucia, Obama’s decision to observe Diwali in the White House was a groundbreaking act of recognition for Indian Americans as a part of the American social fabric. Diwali has become a visible platform through which minority groups are affirmed in the American national narrative.
Underlining the power of cultural recognition, Professor Lucia noted that governmental acknowledgment of festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Hanukkah opens a pathway toward representation and rights for cultural groups. The White House has taken steps to include diverse celebrations, reflecting America’s evolving multicultural identity. This tradition of inclusivity began with First Lady Hillary Clinton extending Eid wishes in 1998, followed by President George W. Bush hosting the first White House iftar in 2001.
In another historic move, New York City has also officially designated Diwali as a public school holiday this year. The decision, which follows years of advocacy by South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities, was spearheaded by Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Hindu Indian American to represent Queens in the New York State Assembly. Rajkumar stated, “This is an achievement that will outlast even me. For generations to come, all New Yorkers will observe the Diwali school holiday.”
Across New York City, Diwali has become an essential part of the city’s cultural calendar, much like other recent additions such as Lunar New Year, Eid, and Juneteenth. Rajkumar shared her hope that Diwali’s recognition will convey to the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities their valued place in the city’s rich, multicultural tapestry.
This year, Diwali falls on the same day as Halloween, leading to a unique blend of traditions. Social media has seen celebrants sharing #Diwaloween memes, where the festive lights of Diwali meet Halloween costumes and traditional Indian sweets are handed out to trick-or-treaters.
Beyond South Asia and the United States, Diwali is celebrated globally, reflecting its status as a festival of universal appeal. This year, American toy company Mattel released a “Barbie Signature Diwali Doll,” designed by Anita Dongre. The doll is dressed in a traditional Indian lehenga, symbolizing Diwali’s embrace of cultural heritage in modern, international contexts.