President Joe Biden will commemorate Diwali at the White House on Monday evening, hosting a big group of Indian Americans from all over the nation.
"Continuing a tradition from past years, the President will light a Diya lamp in the Blue Room before his remarks," the White House said.
Following this, he will give a speech to a gathering of Indian Americans during a reception he is going to host for them.
This event will mark President Biden's last Diwali celebration at the White House as he is not into re-election. "Among the highlights of the President's address will be a video message from Sunita 'Suni' Williams, a famous NASA astronaut and retired Navy Captain. She recorded a greeting from the International Space Station, where she assumed command in September," the White House said.
"Suni, a practicing Hindu, has previously sent Diwali wishes from the ISS to people all over the world. She has also taken various Indian/Hindu cultural items—including samosas and copies of the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita—into space to give tribute to her heritage," it continued.
"Nootana, a classical South Asian dance and music group based in Washington, DC, will offer musical entertainment for guests, alongside the Marine Corps Band," the White House stated.