President Barack Obama lightning the traditional lamp.

In a significant move acknowledging the stronger ties between India and the United States and the ever growing influence of the Indian American community in the US, President Barack Obama celebrated Diwali in the East Room of the White House on October 14, 2009 by lighting a traditional lamp, accompanied by Vedic chants by a Hindu priest. This was the first time in the history of the United States that a sitting President not only hosted a Diwali ceremony but was also present at the function. Obama’s predecessor George W Bush also hosted a Diwali ceremony for six consecutive years but he never attended a single celebration, instead deputing a cabinet official or a senior aide. Also, the event was always held in the Indian Treaty Room at the Old Executive Office Building, which is adjacent to the White House and serves as an administrative office of the White House.

The historic Diwali celebration this year was accompanied by an event where President Obama signed an executive order to restore the White House Commission and Interagency Working Group to address issues concerning the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

According to reports, over two dozen Indian Americans, including several who serve in the Obama Administration were guests at the event, which was attended by approximately 150 Asian Americans to witness the signing of the executive order and the celebration of Diwali at the White House. Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar and visiting Commerce Minister Anand Sharma were special guests of the White House at the event.

At the venue, on each chair was a small box containing four sweets courtesy of the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Lanham, Maryland and Narayanachar Digalakote, the priest who had the honor of flanking Obama while he lit the diya and chanting the shloka was also from the same temple. The program began with a song by Penn Masala, the world’s first Hindi a cappella group formed in 1996 by students of the University of Pennsylvania that combines South Asian music with a Western musical style.

Obama was welcomed with a standing ovation. In his address, Obama recognized Penn Masala, veteran Asian-American athletes, his Asian-American cabinet members — Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, and United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki — and those Asian Americans who served in World War II. He praised the Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and AAPI, among others. He shared with the audience his rationale for restoring the AAPI White House Commission.

“I think it’s fitting that we begin this work in the week leading up to the holiday of Diwali — the festival of lights — when members of some of the world’s greatest faiths celebrate the triumph of good over evil,” Obama said. “This coming Saturday,” he said, “Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists here in America and around the world, will celebrate this holiday by lighting diyas or lamps, which symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. And while this is a time of rejoicing, it’s also a time for reflection, when we remember those who are less fortunate and renew our commitment to reach out to those in need.”

Obama went on to add: “While the significance of the holiday for each faith varies,” Obama said, “all of them mark it by gathering with family members to pray and decorate the house and enjoy delicious food and sweet treats. And, in that spirit of celebration and contemplation, I am happy to light the White House diya, and wish you all a Happy Diwali and a Saal Mubarak.”