As Election Day draws near, South Asian Americans see a unique opportunity to “drive out darkness” and usher in a brighter, more hopeful future by casting their votes
Our Bureau
Washington, DC
The US administration led by US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday extended greetings on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. “The Biden-Harris Administration wishes a happy Diwali to everyone celebrating the Festival of Lights!” the White House said in a post on X.
Leaders from around the world expressed their heartfelt greetings to the people of India on Diwali, highlighting the spirit of unity and cultural appreciation that the festival of lights represents. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among leaders who extended Diwali wishes.
Starmer shared a photo holding a plate of diyas (earthen lamps) at his residence at 10 Downing Street beautifully adorned with marigold flowers and ‘rangoli.’
In a post on X, he wrote, “Happy Diwali to all those celebrating across the UK, I wish you and your family a joyful celebration. This is a time of coming together, abundance and welcome, and a moment to fix our eyes on the light which always triumphs over the darkness.”
Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), shared a video on Thursday featuring the White House military band playing the prayer “Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare” as part of Diwali celebrations.
In the video posted by Gopinath on X, the White House was beautifully adorned with marigold flowers, and many guests were seen wearing traditional Indian attire.
“Wonderful to hear the White House military band play Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare for Diwali. Happy Diwali,” she wrote in her post.
The White House hosted a Diwali celebration, honoring Indian Americans’ contributions to the “US-India bond.” US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti praised the event and highlighted the significance of Diwali and Indian Americans’ valuable contributions.
Dr Jill Biden and President Biden hosted a Diwali celebration at the White House on Monday, inviting Indian-Americans from across the United States to attend. This was the couple’s last Diwali celebration as President and First Lady.
Over the years, the Bidens’ Diwali celebration has added a unique touch to this luminous tradition. As in previous years, the President will light a traditional lamp in the Blue Room before his remarks and the festivities with the large Indian American community, according to the White House.
The celebration, characterized by lights, color, music, and dancing, featured traditional performances and dancers.
Diwali events at the White House began with President George W. Bush in 2003 and have included President Barack Obama lighting a diya in the Oval Office, as well as then-Vice President Biden hosting a reception in 2016. President Donald Trump continued the Diwali tradition in 2017 by lighting a diya alongside his daughter Ivanka and Indian American members of his administration. However, in 2018, the crucial midterm elections disrupted the 15-year-long tradition of formal Diwali celebrations at the White House.
As Diwali approaches and Election Day draws near, South Asian Americans see a unique opportunity to “drive out darkness” and usher in a brighter, more hopeful future by casting their votes. According to Ajay Bhutoria, a community leader, South Asian advocate, and longtime supporter of Kamala Harris, who is working to mobilize South Asian, Asian American, and AAPI voters across the United States, this year, Diwali falls just days before November 5, 2024, marking a symbolic alignment for the Indian American community to make their voices heard.
Bhutoria said, “This Diwali, let’s drive out the darkness: vote for Harris-Walz. This election season coincides with Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated by millions of South Asians worldwide. Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, of knowledge over ignorance. This year, as we light the diyas in our homes, let us also shine a light on democracy. Just as we come together to dispel darkness and bring light and prosperity, we can drive away the darkness of division and hate by voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, who are dedicated to a brighter, more inclusive America.”
With Asian Americans being the fastest-growing racial group in the country, according to the Pew Research Center, the Diwali celebrations each year represent the changing demographics of the nation.
