New York: 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 Jagdish Hare” as part of Deepawali 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 Deepawali. Happy Deepawali,” she wrote in her post. The White House hosted a Diwali celebration to honour the contributions of Indian Americans to the “US-India bond.”
Wonderful to hear the White House military band play Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare for Diwali. Happy Diwali 🪔 pic.twitter.com/lJwOrCOVpo
— Gita Gopinath (@GitaGopinath) October 31, 2024
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti praised the event and emphasised the significance of Diwali, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the Indian American community.
Garcetti shared a post on X and wrote, “What a beautiful celebration of Deepawali at the @WhiteHouse ! As we celebrate the journey of light, we also honour the invaluable contributions of Indian Americans who deepen the #USIndia bond.”
“From New Delhi to D.C., may the light of Deepawali illuminate every corner of the world and spread the message of peace and prosperity #CelebrateWithUS #HappyDiwali.” the post added.
Recently, the American First Lady, Jill Biden, and President Joe Biden hosted a Deepawali celebration at the White House on October 28, inviting Indian Americans from across the United States to attend.
This was the couple’s last Deepawali celebration as President and First Lady. Over the years, the Bidens’ Diwali celebration has added a unique touch to this luminous tradition.
White House shared the pictures of the Deepawali celebrations on X and wrote, “Happy Deepawali from the White House! Together, may we show the power in the gathering of light.”
Addressing the White House Deepawali Celebrations, the US President said, extended Deepawali greetings to the people, highlighting its significance, and acknowledged that today, the festival is proudly celebrated in the White House. (With inputs from ANI)
