New Delhi: United States President Joe Biden, who celebrated Diwali at the White House last year aims to celebrate the festival this year as well. However, the details and nature of preparations have not been revealed yet. "Yes, he has plans to celebrate Diwali just like he did last year," White House Press Secretary Karen Jean-Pierre told reporters during the daily news conference, reported news agency PTI.
"We don't have a date to share with you at this time but it is an event that he thinks is very important as he sees a partnership with India as well as Indian Americans here in this country," Jean-Pierre responded to a query.
Meanwhile, Maryland Governor Lawrence Hogan has declared October as Hindu Heritage Month.
The tradition of Diwali celebrations every year at the White House started with the Bush Administration. Diwali was initially celebrated by former President George W. Bush in 2003 and was carried on by his successor Barack Obama.
Continuing the tradition, Trump also celebrated the Hindu festival at the Oval Office.
Known as the “festival of lights,” Diwali offers the opportunity for reflection and celebration. The stories and rituals are also focused on the triumph of light over darkness and compassion over hatred. The day signifies the renewal of life and the promise of prosperity for the year to come.
The five-day festival will begin this year with Dhanteras on Saturday, October 22, and will conclude with Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, October 26. Diwali will be celebrated on the third day which is Monday, October 24, or the 15th day of the month of Kartika as per the Hindu calendar.
Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India that is dedicated to Lord Rama. Choti Diwali also known as Naraka Chaturdashi is another most auspicious festival celebrated a day before Diwali. It falls on the 14th day of the month of Kartik.
Lord Rama killed Ravana on Kartik Amavasya and returned to his kingdom with his wife Sita and brother Laxman in Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, according to scriptures.
People of Ayodhya were very happy after hearing of their king's victory and homecoming, and so they lit up the entire kingdom with earthen lamps, burst firecrackers, and decorated their houses.