For the first time in US history, the US vice president, Kamala Harris, hosted Diwali at the White House with Joe Bidden and first lady Jill Biden.
Kamala addressed a gathering of over 200 people from the east part of the White House. The guest list consisted of various prominent Indian Americans, including Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Ro Khanna, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, actor and former White House staffer Kal Penn, and bestselling author Jay Shetty.
The US vice president presented her views on the festival and shared some of her childhood memories with the gatherings. Scroll down to learn about Kamala’s enjoyable recollection of past events.
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Kamala Taking Trip Down Memory Lane
Reminiscing her fondest memories of the Diwali India celebration, Kamala said that as a child, she had such fond recollections of the Diwali celebration. She further added that, similar to various people, she would visit India almost every other year, skipping the monsoon season, and arrive there to enjoy Diwali.
She has such astonishing memories of waking up at midnight, and along with her sister Maya, she would go to the eldest in the family, who used to be their grandfather.
She added that later in the day, her mother would offer them some sparklers, and they would hop into the streets to celebrate this special event.
Kamala Harris defined Diwali as a “holiday of hope” and said that the festival enables ones to witness the light in the world, in oneself and each other. The festival also reminds people to shine their light in the darkness to combat for understanding, justice and peace.
Adding to it, she further said that regardless of how powerful forces try to seed hate and divide, people recall that their light radiates the brightest in these moments, even in the darkest moments. It is a piece that reminds people of Diwali. In moments of darkness, people glimpse the light.
see also – Diwali in India: The Joy of Diversity Celebrated in Unison
Bidden Participated Too
In late November 2016, Biden hosted the Diwali reception at Kamala’s Naval Observatory.
While recollecting the memories and welcoming the guests, he said that 2016 was the first-ever Diwali reception to be conducted there. He further informed that while he is an Irish Catholic and opening their home for holidays, observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, the night was also accompanied by Christians, Muslims and people representing diaspora and diversity therein America from all over the globe. This also included the then newly elected Indian American members of Congress, two of whom were present in the recent celebration, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Ro Khanna.
Praising the gathering, Biden said that the South Asian community across America is incredible. Joe believes the South Asian community helped America become powerful during the pandemic. It has built an economy that is suitable for everyone. The community has helped in the following ways:
- Fixing the immigration system
- Responding to the cry for action on climate
- Caring for elders
- Teaching children
- Defending freedom and rights
- Protecting and serving the nation and its communities
- Entertainment
- Inspiration
- Offering information, and
- Creating a more equitable nation.
What was Included in the Reception?
The reception witnessed some fascinating cultural programs, including performances by the dance troupe the ‘Sa Dance Company’ and sitarist ‘Rishab Sharma’.
The guests arrived in traditional Indian attires such as sherwani, lehenga, and saree. Besides, the place served some mouthwatering Indian delicacies.
