Biden hosts Diwali reception with special message from stranded astronaut

(Gray News) – President Biden hosted a Diwali reception at the White House.

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, variations of which are celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists.

The holiday lasts five days and celebrates the victory of good over evil.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy opened the ceremony by thanking President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for organizing.

“I am incredibly grateful to President Biden and Dr. Biden for hosting our celebration because they understand what is truly important about Diwali—the people we love and the community we build together,” Murthy said.

Astronaut Sunita Williams sent a taped message to people gathered for a Diwali reception from the International Space Station.

Williams is a practicing Hindu.

Williams arrived at the International Space Station aboard the Boeing Starliner on June 5, but problems with the spacecraft left Williams and Butch Wilmore stranded on the ISS.

They are expected to return to Earth in February.

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