Trump celebrates Diwali at White House with Indian diaspora, receives Hanuman Chalisa

US President Donald Trump participated in a Diwali celebration at the White House on Friday, which brought together prominent members of the Indian diaspora, including Indian entrepreneur Vishal Gondal, Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna and former Canadian parliamentarian Ruby Dhalla.During the celebrations, Gondal, founder of health-tech company GOQii, met Trump in the Oval Office, participated in a ceremonial diya-lighting and presented the US President with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa.

Sharing details of the occasion on social media platform X, Gondal described the meeting as a moment of shared celebration and said he was proud to gift Trump a copy of the Hindu devotional hymn."A moment of shared light in the Oval Office. Honoured to celebrate Diwali with President Donald Trump and proud to gift him with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa, Tulsidas's hymn to Lord Hanuman that millions of us recite for courage, devotion and strength," Gondal posted.He said his prayer during the diya-lighting ceremony was for stronger ties between India and the United States."As the diyas were lit, my prayer was for friendship between India and America, and for the triumph of light over darkness," he wrote.Gondal also shared the traditional Indian blessing "Jug Jug Jiyo", explaining its meaning and extending wishes for peace, prosperity and good health."Jug Jug Jiyo, a blessing many of us grew up hearing, means 'may you live for ages.'

It is the wish behind everything I do, and today I made it for everyone around the world: peace, prosperity, good health and longevity. Happy Diwali. Jug Jug Jiyo," he added.The tradition of celebrating Diwali at the White House was started by President George W Bush in 2003. Initially, the ceremonies were largely held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and attended by members of the Indian-American community and Indian diplomats.In 2009, President Barack Obama became the first US president to light a diya at the White House during a ceremony 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.