THREE years after she mesmerised Indians with her impromptu dance moves in Mumbai, US First Lady Michelle Obama took to the floor again, this time at the White House as the festival of lights was celebrated in Washington, DC.
Leading Diwali celebrations at the White House for the first time, Michelle Obama lit a diya amid chanting of Vedic mantras.
In 2009, President Barack Obama attended Diwali festivities at the White House.
“This holiday is celebrated by members of some of the world’s oldest religions not just here in America but across the globe. Diwali is a time for celebration,” she said. “As Barack and I
learned during our visit to India, it”s a time to come together with friends and family, often with dancing and good food.
“Diwali is also a time for contemplation and reflection. It’s a time for us to think about our obligations to our fellow human beings, particularly those who are less fortunate than we are. And as we light the diya – the lamp – we recommit ourselves to the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil.”
Michelle Obama also used the occasion to remember the victims of Oak Creek Gurdwara when several Sikh worshippers were killed last year.
She said: “As we gather here this Diwali, we remember that there is still evil in the world.
And I’m thinking today about what happened in Oak Creek, Wisconsin just last year when an act of unthinkable violence shook a community to its core.
“But I am also thinking of how in the face of such evil, we also witnessed the power of goodness and forgiveness.
“The families and community leaders I met when I visited Oak Creek just weeks after the tragedy, they showed us such courage and grace. Instead of giving in to bitterness or despair, they
honoured those they lost through service.
“They honoured those they lost through educating others about their faith and standing up to prejudice in whatever form it takes.
“I’m also thinking of all the people across America and around the world who held prayer vigils during that time and sent messages of love and support, and held the people of Oak Creek in their hearts.”
The first lady was presented with a garland by Mythili Bachu, the chair of the Council of Hindu Temples of North America, amid applause from a select audience comprising members of the Indian-American community.
“We got to practise a little Bollywood this afternoon,” she told the audience at the East Room.
Later, she said: “We had a wonderful time. It was the first time that we did Bollywood in the State Room here at the White House.”
Wearing a glamorous skirt especially made for the occasion by India-born designer Naeem Khan, Michelle Obama danced to upbeat Hindi songs.
“Of course, as you all know, I think I can dance,” she joked, in an apparent reference to her dance in Mumbai three years ago when she celebrated Diwali in India.
“But not as good as they can dance,” she pointed out, referring to the performance by members of the Gold Spot Band, a New York-based popular Indian-American band.
