WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House on Friday, joining prominent members of the Indian American community, business leaders and members of his administration for a diya-lighting ceremony in the Oval Office.
The gathering brought together several high-profile figures with ties to India, including Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra, FBI Director Kash Patel, celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, Micron Technology CEO Sanjay Mehrotra and National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Social Security Administration Deputy Commissioner Arjun Mody also attended, alongside entrepreneurs and community figures such as former Canadian parliamentarian Ruby Dhalla.
Among the attendees was Vishal Gondal, founder and CEO of health technology company GOQii, who presented Trump with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindu devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
Gondal shared photographs from the celebration in a Nov. 6 post on X, describing the occasion as “a moment of shared light in the Oval Office.” He said the gift reflected the hymn’s significance to millions of people who recite it for courage, devotion and strength.
“As the diyas were lit, my prayer was for friendship between India and America, and for the triumph of light over darkness,” Gondal wrote.
He also shared the traditional Indian blessing “Jug Jug Jiyo,” which translates to “may you live for ages.” Gondal extended the wish to people around the world, emphasizing peace, prosperity, good health and longevity.
The ceremony offered an opportunity to highlight the cultural and personal connections between the United States and India, with members of the Indian diaspora participating alongside senior government officials and business executives.
The White House Diwali tradition dates back to 2003, when President George W. Bush began hosting celebrations marking the Hindu festival of lights. Early observances were largely held in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and included Indian diplomats and members of the Indian American community.
In 2009, President Barack Obama became the first U.S. president to light a diya at the White House, doing so during a ceremony in the East Room. Subsequent administrations have held Diwali celebrations in several locations across the White House, including the Oval Office and Roosevelt Room.
Diwali, celebrated by millions of people around the world, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Lighting diyas, or small oil lamps, is among the festival’s most recognizable traditions.
