Trump Joins Diwali Celebration in the White House Oval Office

The White House tradition began in 2003 under President George W. Bush. Earlier celebrations were usually held in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with Indian American community members and Indian diplomats present.

In 2009, President Barack Obama became the first U.S. president to light a diya, or lamp, at the White House. That ceremony took place in the East Room. Since then, lamp-lighting events have been held in several locations, including the Oval Office and the Roosevelt Room.