THE observance of Diwali by the White House is the most talked-about celebration of the festival by Guyanese-Americans and nationals of India in America. Although Diwali was officially observed on November 3 in Guyana and around the globe, in America the spirit of Diwali continues to be observed at various locations.  Guyanese-Americans were involved in several celebrations after the official observance in Washington, New Jersey and in New York by politicians.

Diwali was observed at the U.S. Capitol Hill for the first time by Congress in early November, when several Guyanese-American invitees attended.  Diwali was also celebrated at the White House, a tradition that began under George Bush, with Guyanese-Americans also being guests. In New York, the Indian Consulate hosted a Diwali dinner at which several Guyanese were guests. And India Minister for Indian Overseas Affairs Vyalar Ravi was scheduled to meet Guyanese and others for a belated Diwali lunch on Sunday. Diwali was also observed by various New York City politicians over the last three weeks.
The White House also celebrated Diwali by lighting the White House diya, as Michelle Obama addressed the gathering in the Blue Room. She was dressed in a colourful Indian outfit. This marks the fifth time that the Obamas have celebrated Diwali. First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed guests to the White House for a Diwali celebration. The celebration started with the First Lady visiting a Bollywood dance clinic at The White House and trying out some moves herself. Then the First Lady spoke during a reception in the East Room:
“We’ve celebrated this holiday here at the White House every year since Barack took office. And there’s a reason why we’ve done that,” she said.
When we say that we want to make the White House the “people’s house,” we mean all people. We mean that we want to honour and embrace all of the many cultures and faith traditions that make us who we are as Americans.  And Diwali is very much one of those traditions.
The First Lady stated that Diwali is a time to come together with friends and family, often with dancing and good food. But she also noted that “Diwali is also a time for contemplation and reflection and thinking about  obligations to our fellow human beings, particularly those who are less fortunate than we are.  And as we light the diya, we recommit ourselves to the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil”.
The First Lady reflected on the existence of evil that still exists in the world. “As we gather here this Diwali, we remember that there is still evil in the world. And I’m thinking today about what happened in Oak Creek, Wisconsin just last year when an act of unthinkable violence shook a community to its core – a reference to the several Sikhs who were massacred. But I am also thinking of how in the face of such evil, we also witnessed the power of goodness and forgiveness”.
She noted that the families and community leaders she met when she visited Oak Creek after the tragedy “showed us such courage and grace. Instead of giving in to bitterness or despair, they honoured those they lost through service by standing up to prejudice in whatever form it takes.
“I am so proud and so honoured to be celebrating this beautiful holiday at the White House with all of you. And I wish you all and all your loved ones a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak. And with that, we will now light the White House Diya.
Earlier, President Obama made a statement about Diwali: “Diwali, the Festival of Lights, reaffirms the things in life that matter most. Dancing, celebration, and good food remind us that life’s greatest joys are the simple pleasures that come from spending time with people we love. Contemplation and prayer remind us that people of all faiths have an obligation to perform seva, or service to others. And the flame of the diya, reminds us that light will ultimately triumph over darkness.
Diwali also reminds us that our nation is home to many faiths and traditions, and that our diversity makes us stronger, which is why I’m proud that this year Democrats and Republicans in Congress joined together for the first-ever celebration of Diwali on Capitol Hill. Michelle and I have been honoured to have the chance to observe this ancient holiday, both at the White House and in India.

VISHNU BISRAM