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Diwali 2024: White House military band plays ‘Om Jai Jagdish Hare’ during festivities, video goes viral

The viral video shows the band members playing the Lord Vishu aarti on piano, violin, sitar, and drum.

Diwali at White House (Image source: @GitaGopinath/X)

US President Joe Biden celebrated Diwali on Tuesday at the White House in an event attended by Indian American politicians and staff. Now, a video of the White House military band playing Lord Vishnu aarti Om Jai Jagdish Hare is stealing hearts on social media.

The viral video shows the band members synchronising the aarti on piano, sitar, violin, and drum while several Indian-American dignitaries captured the moment at the White House. The video also shows the iconic building decorated with marigolds.

Sharing the video on X, Gita Gopinath, first deputy managing director of the IMF, wrote, “Wonderful to hear the White House military band play Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare for Diwali. Happy Diwali.”

Watch here:

Wonderful to hear the White House military band play Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare for Diwali. Happy Diwali 🪔 pic.twitter.com/lJwOrCOVpo

— Gita Gopinath (@GitaGopinath) October 31, 2024

Also Read | Watch: Ayodhya creates world records by illuminating over 25 lakh diyas for Diwali

With over 45,000 views, the video amassed several reactions. Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej wrote, “Nicely done! great arrangement, and the violinist did all the glissandos pretty well.”

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“Wonderful, so nice to hear that. Thank you to the white house military band. Happy Diwali, my greetings,” a user wrote. “Diwali truly transcends borders, uniting people globally in the spirit of light and harmony. Happy Diwali to all!” another user commented.

“A beautiful celebration of Diwali’s spirit—music truly bridges cultures and brings everyone together!” a third user wrote.

Addressing Indian American officials at the White House, President Biden said, as reported by news agency PTI, “As President, I have been honoured to host the biggest Diwali receptions ever at the White House. To me, it means a great deal. As Senator, Vice President, and President; South Asian Americans have been key members of my staff.”

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