NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Sends Diwali Wishes from Space

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who has spent nearly five months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), extended heartfelt Diwali greetings to those celebrating in the United States and worldwide.

In a video message recorded from 260 miles above Earth, Williams, of Indian heritage, shared her unique perspective on the festival from space. She reflected on her father’s dedication to preserving their cultural traditions, recalling how he taught her and her family about Diwali and other Indian celebrations.

"Greetings from the ISS," Williams began. "I want to extend my warmest wishes for a Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating today at the White House and around the world.” She added, “This year, I have the unique opportunity to observe Diwali from space… My father kept our cultural roots alive by teaching us about Diwali and other Indian festivals.”

Williams highlighted Diwali’s message of hope and renewal, calling it a time of joy and a celebration of goodness prevailing in the world.

Expressing gratitude to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Williams thanked them for their participation in Diwali festivities and for recognizing the contributions of the Indian-American 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 acknowledging our many contributions,” she said.

Her message coincided with a special Diwali event at the White House, adding significance to the celebration.

Williams and her colleague, astronaut Butch Wilmore, have been stationed at the ISS since their arrival on June 6, following a launch on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5. Initially planned as a week-long mission, their stay was extended to nearly eight months after NASA determined it was “too risky” for Starliner to bring them back, resulting in an uncrewed return of the spacecraft on September 6. Williams and Wilmore are now scheduled to return to Earth in February next year as part of the ISS expedition.