Source: rediff.com

http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/24us1.htm

On October 25, 2003 rediff.com reported that "Indians celebrated Diwali for the first time ever at the White House with President George W Bush's chief political advisor Karl Rove presiding over the festivities in the Indian Treaty Room. Rove, who is often referred to as the president's 'prime minister', lit the symbolic brass lamp inaugurating the festivities on Thursday evening in which some 70 select members of the Indian American community were invited. Underscoring the spirit and story of Diwali, he conveyed President Bush's personal greetings."