Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is set to host a Diwali reception on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the U.S. Department of State. The event will take place in the Benjamin Franklin Room at 4:30 p.m. EDT and will feature Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma.

Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs worldwide. It symbolizes hope, renewal, and light and brings together diverse cultures and religions in a spirit of joy, peace, and prosperity.

The event is open to the press and will be live-streamed on the Department's homepage and YouTube channel. Cameras are to be set up by 3:30 p.m. EDT at the 23rd Street entrance, with final access for writers and photographers at 4:00 p.m. EDT.

Media representatives wishing to attend must present one of the following credentials: a U.S. Government-issued photo media credential, an official photo ID from their news organization, or a letter from their employer verifying their employment as a journalist. Additionally, they must show an official government photo ID such as a U.S. driver's license or passport.

For further details, contact SCA-Press@state.gov.