“Never Let the Light Go Out”: US Leaders Celebrate Diwali From State Capitals to Oval Office, Honour Indian American Spirit

November 7, 2026

Washington, DC: American leaders across all levels have celebrated Diwali, acknowledging the contribution made by the Indian American community across culture, business and community. Governors and Federal Officials highlighted the increasing relationship between India and the US, whilst President Donald Trump hosted a Diwali celebration at the White House.

Entrepreneur Vishal Gondal presented a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa to Trump in the Oval Office during the celebrations, saying he was praying for lasting friendship between India and America.

Governors from Washington, Nebraska, North Dakota, Idaho and Montana all acknowledged the contribution made by Indian Americans.

US Governors Celebrate Diwali With Praise For Indian American Community

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson praised the Indian American community for their contribution to the state, signing a proclamation designating November 8, 2026 as Diwali (Festival Of Lights Day) in Washington State.

“We are proud to be home to one of the largest shares of Indian Americans in the country, and we have seen this community contribute so much to our state. We’re so proud of these contributions,” Ferguson said.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen highlighted how important the Indian community is to the state, saying the values they promote during Diwali are very similar to those in Nebraska.

“Diwali centres on family unity, reflection and gratitude for our blessings. So, happy Diwali, and it’s really, really important that you keep these traditions alive in your families. Never, ever, ever let the light go out,” he said.

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong highlighted how important the relationship between India and his state is.

He acknowledged those from India had achieved a lot within the state, and hopes the relationship will continue to grow.

Idaho Governor Brad Little praised the contribution made by the Indian American community.

“Indian Americans help strengthen Idaho’s economy and help our communities be better places to live, work and raise a family,” Little said.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the importance of uniting people from different cultural backgrounds. He said celebrations like this help strengthen relationships and create long term partnerships which are mutually beneficial.

US Lawmakers Praise Indian American Contribution

Federal lawmakers joined in with the celebrations, praising Indian Americans for helping strengthen the US.

“We are essentially a melting pot of over 200 ethnicities. Our Indian American community makes US stronger,” US Congressman Don Bacon from Nebraska said.

US Senator Jim Risch from Idaho, Chairman Of The Senate Committee On Foreign Relations, highlighted how special the building was. He said numerous important celebrations take place there.

This shows how much the Indian American community is recognised for contributing to American society.

Hanuman Chalisa Gifted To Trump During White House Diwali Celebration

President Donald Trump was presented with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa during a Diwali celebration in the Oval Office on Friday. Entrepreneur Vishal Gondal gifted the sacred text and later took to social media to share information about the event.

Gondal said it was a token of devotion and strength, tweeting on X:

“Honoured to celebrate Diwali with President @realDonaldTrump and proud to gift him a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa, Tulsidas’s hymn to Lord Hanuman that millions of US recite for courage, devotion and strength.”

As the light’s were lit, Gondal said he was praying for lasting friendship between India and the USA and light overcoming darkness.

The White House released an official schedule showing the event took place at 1:30pm EST in the Oval Office. No media were allowed to attend.

A half an hour event took place, with a speech from the President and a ceremonial lighting of the diya shortly after.

(Please note this could be subject to change). The event had many high profile attendees, including US Secretary Of State Marco Rubio, FBI Director Kash Patel and National Institutes Of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya.

Diwali Celebration In The Oval Office

Photos from the event show the Hanuman Chalisa displayed on a red background. The cream sacred text features an image of Lord Hanuman with scripture, red text and lotus designs. The book has metallic corner guards.

Group photos show those attending wearing traditional Indian clothing and formal attire around the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. The background shows the gold curtains, flags, telephones and model plane.

Gondal shared photos from inside The West Wing showing the elaborate gold framed displays of the President. The wall has the text “The West Wing” in gold.

One of the keepsakes from the event was a challenge coin from the President. The gold coloured coin has a central crest and text reading “President of the United States” and “45th & 47th”.

“This Diwali I received a Trump coin which I will always cherish,” Gondal wrote.

Reflecting on the experience, he added, “I never imagined celebrating Diwali in the Oval Office. Being there with President Trump, I felt his magnetic presence firsthand.” Being with President Trump was an incredible experience and I felt the magnetic energy from him.

White House Diwali Celebration History

Celebrations took place at the White House in 2003 under former US President George W. Bush.

In 2009 former President Barack Obama became the first current president to light a ceremonial diya himself during Diwali Celebrations in the East Room of the White House.

The celebrations have since become an important time to recognise the contribution of the Indian American community.

The celebrations in 2026 across state capitals and the Oval Office highlighted the contribution made by the community and the continued importance of the relationship between India and the US.