US President Donald Trump had raised eyebrows in June this year when he discontinued decades-long White House tradition of celebrating Eid with an 'iftar' dinner.
The abrupt cancellation of 'iftar' had raised speculation in the Indian community over whether the US president would continue with ‘Diwali’ dinner this year.
However, it appears that Trump is all set to host the Diwali dinner for 200 Indian-Americans at 1600, Pennsylvania Avenue, Times of India reported .
Shalabh Kumar, a close aide of Trump and founder of the 'Republican Hindu Coalition', told TOI that the US President will also consider the Indian community’s request for addressing a rally in Chicago for around 15,000 Indian Americans.
A similar Diwali dinner was first hosted by former US President Barack Obama in 2009. This White House Diwali celebration has since become an annual affair.
The White House started hosting Diwali dinner from 2009 when Barack Obama was the US President.
Earlier this week, Republican senator Orrin Hatch had written a letter to White House chief of staff John Kelly urging the Trump administration to make this year’s Diwali bash even more grand. Hatch pointed out that in view of Indian-American community's support Trump in 2016 Presidential election, there was a need to address their demands and concerns.
Shalab Kumar added that the White House is taking Hatch's suggestions seriously.
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