Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a five-day celebration observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Following the lunar calendar, it usually falls in autumn; this year in October. The name comes from the Sanskrit dipavali, meaning “row of lights.”

​At its heart, Diwali marks the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Families celebrate by lighting lamps and candles, exchanging gifts, enjoying festive foods, decorating their homes, and setting off fireworks.

The first White House Diwali celebration took place in 2003 during the George W. Bush administration, hosted by his senior advisor Karl Rove. National recognition followed on October 29, 2007, when Congress passed House Resolution 747, acknowledging Diwali’s religious and historical importance in the United States. In 2009, President Obama became the first sitting president to personally host the celebration at the White House. More recently, California declared Diwali a state holiday with the passage of Assembly Bill 268 on September 15, 2025. Governor Gavin Newsom has until October 12 to sign the bill into law.

Sources:
·       https://www.newindiaabroad.com/english/diwali/diwali-in-the-white-house-past-present-and-future
·       https://www.britannica.com/topic/Diwali-Hindu-festival
· https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/diwali-celebrations-in-the-white-house-over-the-years-a-journey-through-time-101699787817957.html
·       https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-110hres747ih
·       https://www.patrika.com/en/world-news/california-declares-diwali-a-state-holiday-19943959
·       https://ktla.com/news/california/bill-to-recognize-new-state-holiday-heads-to-gov-newsom/