Washington DC: US President Donald Trump participated in Diwali celebrations at the White House, lighting a traditional lamp during a special event held at the Oval Office on Friday. Several prominent members of the Indian-American community attended the celebration, highlighting the growing cultural significance of the festival in the United States.

Among the distinguished guests were India's Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra, FBI Director Kash Patel, renowned chef Vikas Khanna, entrepreneur Vishal Gondal, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna and National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya.

Hanuman Chalisa Gift Becomes Highlight of Celebration

One of the major highlights of the event was entrepreneur Vishal Gondal presenting a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa to President Donald Trump.

Gondal, founder of GOQii, shared photographs from the Oval Office celebration on social media platform X, describing the occasion as a beautiful moment of light.

He noted that the Hanuman Chalisa, composed by Tulsidas, symbolises courage, devotion and strength.

While lighting the diya, Gondal expressed hope that the friendship between India and the United States would grow stronger and that peace and prosperity would prevail across the world.

He also extended Diwali wishes, praying for peace, prosperity, good health and longevity for everyone.

White House Diwali Tradition Dating Back to 2003

Diwali celebrations at the White House began in 2003 under then-President George W. Bush.

In 2009, Barack Obama became the first US President to light a traditional Diya in the White House East Room.

Since then, Diwali has been celebrated annually at different locations within the White House, recognising the festival's cultural and spiritual significance and the contributions of the Indian-American community.

The celebration continues to serve as a symbol of cultural diversity, harmony and the enduring friendship between India and the United States.