US President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House on November 6, lighting a diya alongside Indian-American business leaders, senior officials and diplomats. Entrepreneur Vishal Gondal presented him with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House on Friday, November 6, 2026, bringing together prominent Indian-American entrepreneurs, corporate executives, senior government officials and diplomats for a ceremony in the Oval Office.
Trump marked the occasion by lighting a traditional diya, symbolising the festival’s message of light overcoming darkness. The gathering highlighted the Indian-American community’s presence in American business, public administration and cultural life.
Indian-American CEOs and diplomats attend
The celebrations featured India’s Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, Micron Technology CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, FBI Director Kash Patel and National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya.
Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, entrepreneur Vishal Gondal and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also attended, alongside Social Security Administration Deputy Commissioner Arjun Mody. Other guests included business executive Ruby Dhalla, Knack Systems founder Rajiv Sharma and representatives from the Indian-American community.
Trump receives Hanuman Chalisa as Diwali gift
During the ceremony, Vishal Gondal, founder and CEO of GOQii Technologies, presented Trump with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
Gondal shared photographs of the celebration on social media and expressed hope for stronger friendship between India and the United States, alongside peace and prosperity worldwide.
White House Diwali tradition continues
White House Diwali celebrations began under President George W. Bush in 2003. Barack Obama became the first sitting US president to light a diya during a White House ceremony in 2009. The annual observance has since become an important occasion recognising Indian culture and the contributions of the Indian-American community.
Impact to Expect
The celebration reinforces Diwali’s cultural visibility in Washington while providing a symbolic platform for India-US friendship and engagement with influential Indian-American leaders.
