US President Donald Trump participated in a ceremonial diya-lighting ceremony at the White House to mark Diwali. The gathering brought together prominent members of the Indian-American community to celebrate the festival of lights.

India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, was among those present in the Oval Office during the celebrations. On the occasion, Indian technology entrepreneur Vishal Gondal gifted President Trump a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa.

The tradition of celebrating Diwali at the White House was started by former President George W. Bush in 2003. Initially, the celebrations were largely held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in the presence of members of the Indian-American community and Indian diplomats.

In 2009, former President Barack Obama became the first US President to light a ceremonial lamp at the White House during a Diwali celebration in the East Room. Since then, Diwali lamp-lighting ceremonies have been held at various locations within the White House, including the Oval Office and the Roosevelt Room.