NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been in space for nearly five months, has extended warm Diwali wishes to festival celebrants in the United States (USA) and across the world. In a video message shared from the International Space Station (ISS), the Indian-origin astronaut said that this year she has had the unique opportunity to celebrate Diwali from 260 miles above Earth. 

Opportunity to celebrate Diwali on ISS

Sunita Williams said in the video message, ‘Greetings from ISS. I want to extend a very happy Diwali to everyone celebrating today at the White House and around the world. This year I have the unique opportunity to celebrate Diwali on the ISS, 260 miles above the Earth. My father has kept us connected to our cultural roots by teaching us about Diwali and other Indian festivals.’ 

Diwali is a time of joy- Sunita Williams.

Williams stressed the festival’s message of hope and renewal, saying Diwali is a time to rejoice because goodness still prevails in the world. 

Sunita Williams spoke about her community.

Williams also thanked US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for participating in the Diwali celebrations and recognizing the contributions of the community. He said, ‘Diwali is a time to rejoice as goodness prevails in the world. Thank you, President and Vice President for celebrating Diwali with the people of our community today and recognising the many contributions of the people of our community.’ 

Diwali celebration at the White House

This video message of Sunita Williams is very touching. It came during a special Diwali celebration organized at the White House. Many people of Indian origin, including President Biden, participated in this celebration. The Diwali festival was organized at the White House.

Sunita Williams has been in space since June 6

Let us tell you that Sunita Williams has been on the ISS since June with her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore. Both of them took their first crew flight on June 5 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which reached the space station on June 6. 

Both passengers will arrive in February next year.

It was decided to return the Starliner to Earth without its crew. The spacecraft returned successfully on September 6. In August, NASA said it was too risky to bring Wilmore and Williams back to Earth. Wilmore and Williams have formally continued their work as part of the mission. Both will return in February next year.