Trump marks Diwali at the White House and receives a Hanuman Chalisa
President Trump joined Indian-American guests in the Oval Office to mark Diwali, lit a diya and was handed a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa as a gift.
President Donald Trump marked Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, at the White House, joined by members of the Indian diaspora.
The celebration took place in the Oval Office on 6 November. India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, was among those present. Guests included Indian-origin CEOs and entrepreneurs, and Trump lit a diya, the traditional oil lamp, alongside them.
One gift stood out: Trump received a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa, a popular Hindu devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
Hosting a Diwali event is a White House tradition. It was started by President George W Bush in 2003. Trump also held a celebration in October 2025, soon after returning to office, for members of the Indian-American community.
This year's event followed the same pattern, with business leaders from the community in the room.
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