NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, currently stationed on the International Space Station (ISS) for nearly five months, shared her heartfelt Diwali greetings with those celebrating both in the United States and worldwide.
A Unique Celebration from Above
In a video message released from the ISS, the Indian-American astronaut reflected on her special experience of observing Diwali from 260 miles above Earth. She recalled her father’s commitment to preserving their cultural heritage by teaching her family about Diwali and other Indian festivals.
“Greetings from the ISS,” Williams stated. “I want to extend my warmest wishes for a Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating today at the White House and around the world.” She emphasized the significance of the festival, saying, “This year I have the unique opportunity to celebrate Diwali from 260 miles above the Earth on the ISS.”
Diwali’s Message of Hope
Williams highlighted Diwali’s themes of hope and renewal, noting that it is a time of joy when goodness prevails. She expressed her appreciation to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their involvement in the Diwali celebrations and for acknowledging the contributions of the Indian community.
“Diwali is a time of joy as goodness in the world prevails… Thank you to the President and the Vice President for celebrating Diwali with our community today and for recognizing the many contributions of our community,” she remarked. Her message resonated deeply during a special Diwali event at the White House.
Time in Space
Sunita Williams, along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, has been on the ISS since June. They launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5 for its first crewed flight and arrived at the space station on June 6. Although there was a plan to return the Starliner to Earth with its crew, it was deemed “too risky,” and the spacecraft successfully returned on September 6 without them.
Wilmore and Williams will continue their mission on the ISS until February of next year, extending what was initially planned as a week-long test flight into an approximately eight-month stay.
