United States President Barack Obama celebrated Diwali in the East Room of the White House on October 14 by lighting a diya (lamp) accompanied by Vedic chants by a Hindu priest.
Obama doubled up this ceremony with an event where he 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.
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 on hand to witness the signing of the executive order but also joined in the observance of Diwali.
