Counsellor Shiv Ratan welcoming the guests at the Diwali celebrations hosted at the Embassy on November 8.

Amb Nirupama Rao, who graced the occasion by her brief visit during the event, greeting the gathering on the occasion of \'Diwali\'.

Invocation song by children (Harini Somanchi, Shivani Mullapudi and Laasya Gavaravarapu) from Sri. Venkateswara Lotus temple (SVLT).

Charge d\' Affaires, Taranjit Singh Sandhu addressing the gathering. — with Taranjit Sandhu.

Mark Brunner, Senior Advisor to Senator Mark Warner making his remarks during the event.

Mark Brunner, Senior Advisor to Senator Mark Warner, presenting to Charge d\' Affaires, Taranjit Singh Sandhu the "Senate Resolution on Diwali". In a reflection of the importance attached to the India-U.S. relations, and to the Indian-American community and the celebration of Diwali, the United States Senate passed a unanimous resolution on November 4, 2013 "Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali". The Resolution was sponsored by the Co-Chair of Senate India Caucus and a steadfast champion of India-U.S. relations, Senator Mark Warner of Virginia.

Guests in attendance.

Dr. B.N. Hebbar, Professor, George Washington University, spreaking on the significance on Diwali.

Gautam Raghavan, Public Engagement Advisor, White House, making his remarks.

Singing of bhajans by Arjun Jaipuri, Founder and Director of Welcome Theatre Group accompanied by Abhijeet Panse on Tabla.

Guests in attendance.

Abhijeet Panse on Tabla

Singing of bhajans by Arjun Jaipuri.

Jeremy Woodrum, Legislative Director to Congressman Jim Crowley, speaking on the occasion.

Vote of Thanks by Vasanthi Aharam, President, United Hindu and Jain Temples.