White House to celebrate Diwali

More than a hundred Indian Americans will join US President George W Bush [ Images ] in celebrating Diwali [ Images ], the festival of lights, in the White House.

Also Read Diwali Special: Night of Infinite Light

Giving in to a longstanding demand of the Indian community in the US, which pointed out that the White House celebrates festivals of all religions, but not Diwali, Bush has agreed to the festivities, which would be held at the Indian Treaty Room.

Abel Guerra, Public Liaison Officer at the White House, will host the Indian Americans, who will come from different parts of the country.

However, the event is closed to the press, even to those with regular White House press credentials, but the attendees are free to publicise the event afterwards, White House sources told PTI.