# Trump Celebrates Diwali at White House

> Trump hosts Indian diaspora at White House for Diwali, receives Hanuman Chalisa.
- Title: Trump Celebrates Diwali at White House · Indiatimes | Shortify
- Summary: Trump hosts Indian diaspora at White House for Diwali, receives Hanuman Chalisa.
- Keywords: diwali, trump, white house, indian diaspora, hanuman chalisa, vishal gondal, goqii, diya lighting, president george w bush, president barack obama, india, Indiatimes
- Source: Indiatimes — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/trump-celebrates-diwali-at-white-house-with-indian-diaspora-receives-hanuman-chalisa/articleshow/135624500.cms
- Author: Aadrita Halder
- Published: 2026-11-07T02:21:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: diwali, trump, white house, indian diaspora, hanuman chalisa, vishal gondal, goqii, diya lighting, president george w bush, president barack obama, india, news
## Trump Hosts Diwali Celebration
US President Donald Trump participated in a Diwali celebration at the White House on Friday, bringing together prominent members of the Indian diaspora.
## Vishal Gondal Presents Hanuman Chalisa
Health-tech entrepreneur Vishal Gondal, founder of GOQii, met Trump in the Oval Office and presented a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa.
## Gondal's Social Media Post
Gondal described the meeting as a moment of shared celebration and shared light in the Oval Office with Trump.
## Hanuman Chalisa Significance
The Hanuman Chalisa is a Hindu devotional hymn to Lord Hanuman that millions recite for courage, devotion and strength.
## Gondal's Prayer for Friendship
Gondal prayed for stronger ties between India and the United States during the diya-lighting ceremony.
## Jug Jug Jiyo Blessing
Gondal shared the traditional Indian blessing 'Jug Jug Jiyo' meaning 'may you live for ages' for peace and prosperity.
## Diwali Tradition at White House
The tradition of celebrating Diwali at the White House began with President George W Bush in 2003.
## Early Diwali Ceremonies
Initially, the ceremonies were held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and attended by Indian-Americans and diplomats.
## Obama's First Diya Lighting
President Barack Obama became the first US president to light a diya at the White House in 2009.
## Modern Diwali Ceremonies
Since then, Diwali lamp-lighting ceremonies have been held at various White House locations including the Oval Office and Roosevelt Room.
## Gondal's Social Media Details
Gondal shared details of the occasion on social media platform X, describing the meeting as a moment of shared light and celebration.
## Gondal's Prayer for Light
Gondal stated his prayer during the diya-lighting ceremony was for friendship between India and America and the triumph of light over darkness.
## Jug Jug Jiyo Meaning
The blessing 'Jug Jug Jiyo' means 'may you live for ages' and is a wish for peace, prosperity and good health.
## Diwali at White House History
The tradition of Diwali celebrations at the White House started in 2003 with President George W Bush and has evolved since.
## Key takeaway

US President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali with Indian diaspora at White House, receiving a Hanuman Chalisa from health-tech entrepreneur Vishal Gondal.