Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi(left) and President Trump (right) hold press conference at the White House
President Trump will participate in a celebration of the Hindu Diwali holiday this afternoon.
The President recognized the holiday and participated in a celebration during his first term in office.
According to the White House Historical Association, “ The White House has observed Diwali since the George W. Bush presidency, though ceremonies were mostly held in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. In 2009, President Barack Obama became the first president first to light a diya at the White House, during a ceremony in the East Room. Since then, diya lighting ceremonies have been held in various locations in the White House, including the Oval Office and the Roosevelt Room.”
Trump issued the following statement on Monday, sending his wishes to all celebrating the holiday:
Today, I send my best wishes to every American celebrating Diwali—the “Festival of Lights.”
For many Americans, Diwali is a timeless reminder of light’s victory over darkness. It is also a time to bring families and friends together to celebrate community, draw strength from hope, and embrace a lasting spirit of renewal. As millions of citizens light diyas and lanterns, we rejoice in the eternal truth that good will always triumph over evil.
To every American celebrating Diwali, may this observance bring abiding serenity, prosperity, hope, and peace.
Presidential Message on Diwali
“To every American celebrating Diwali, may this observance bring abiding serenity, prosperity, hope, and peace.” – @POTUS https://t.co/QoVAc7JEs9
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) October 20, 2025
Per PBS:
Diwali, derived from the word “Deepavali,” meaning “a row of lights,” is typically celebrated by socializing and exchanging gifts. The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in late October or early November.
Shoppers crowded markets to buy flowers, lanterns and candles.
The celebrations were most visible in Ayodhya city in Uttar Pradesh state. Hindus believe the deity Lord Ram was born there and returned after 14 years in exile. People light earthen lamps to mark his homecoming.
As dusk fell Sunday, more than 2.6 million lamps were lit on the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya, retaining the Guinness World Record set last year. At least 2,100 Hindu priests performed prayers in unison, their chants echoing across the shimmering riverfront.
The holy city was also decked with fairy lights, and a laser and fireworks show illuminated its lanes and riverbanks. Thousands of residents lit lamps at houses and temples.
The event is scheduled to begin at 4 pm ET.
Watch live below:
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