US President Donald Trump participated in Diwali celebrations at the White House on Friday, November 7, 2026. The event, held in the Oval Office, saw President Trump light a traditional diya alongside a diverse group of Indian-American personalities, senior officials, and business leaders, including India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra.
The celebration underscored the growing cultural significance of Diwali within the United States, bringing together notable figures such as celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, Micron Technology CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, FBI Director Kash Patel, and US National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya. Also in attendance were US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Arjun Mody, Deputy Commissioner of the Social Security Administration.
Hanuman Chalisa Gift Highlights Cultural Exchange
A significant moment during the festivities was the presentation of a Hanuman Chalisa to President Trump by Vishal Gondal, Founder and CEO of GOQii Technologies. Gondal shared photographs and details of the occasion on social media, describing it as a "moment of shared light" and an honor to celebrate Diwali with the President.
The Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn by Tulsidas, is revered by millions for its message of courage, strength, and devotion. Gondal expressed his prayers for a stronger friendship between India and the United States and for the triumph of light over darkness as the diyas were lit. He also extended the traditional Indian blessing, "Jug Jug Jiyo," wishing peace, prosperity, good health, and longevity for people worldwide.
Distinguished Guests and White House Tradition
Other distinguished guests at the White House Diwali celebration included Ruby Dhalla, President and CEO of Dhalla Group of Companies; Rajiv Sharma, Founder and CEO of Knack Systems; Viswajith Mallampati, President of Keshavam DC; and Hetalkumar Patel. White House Events Usher Arvind Chadha was also present.
The White House's tradition of observing Diwali dates back to 2003, initiated under former US President George W. Bush. Initially, celebrations were primarily held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. In 2009, former US President Barack Obama became the first American president to personally light a diya at the White House. Since then, Diwali ceremonies have continued across successive administrations, taking place in various presidential complex locations, including the Oval Office and the Roosevelt Room.