"Greetings from the ISS": NASA astronaut Sunita Williams shares Diwali wishes from space

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, known for her pioneering achievements in space, marked this year’s Diwali with a special greeting sent from 260 miles above Earth. Williams, who has spent nearly five months on the International Space Station (ISS), shared her reflections on Diwali, her cultural roots, and the importance of family traditions in a video message aimed at celebrating the Indian festival of lights.

Diwali Message from the ISS

In her message, Williams extended her "warmest wishes for a Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating today at the White House and around the world." Acknowledging her unique position of celebrating Diwali from space, she noted, "This year I have the unique opportunity to celebrate Diwali from 260 miles above the earth on the ISS." Williams also expressed pride in her Indian heritage, explaining how her father had instilled in her a deep appreciation for Indian culture. “My father kept and shared his cultural roots by teaching us about Diwali and other Indian festivals,” she said, highlighting the festival's personal significance even from space.

The Significance of Diwali

Williams spoke on the deeper meaning of Diwali, emphasizing that it represents “a time of joy as goodness in the world prevails.” For Williams, Diwali resonates with themes of hope and renewal, a sentiment she holds close while observing the festival in orbit. Her message added a global touch to the celebrations, connecting individuals celebrating from different corners of the world.

White House Diwali Celebration

Williams also expressed her gratitude toward US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for hosting Diwali festivities at the White House, acknowledging their recognition of the contributions of the Indian community. “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,” Williams remarked, underscoring the symbolic value of the White House's acknowledgment.

Williams has been stationed on the ISS since June alongside fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore. The two embarked on their mission on June 5, aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which made its debut crewed flight. Originally intended as a brief test mission, the journey was extended after NASA determined it was "too risky" to use the Starliner spacecraft for their return to Earth. In August, NASA announced the safety concerns that prevented the crew’s return on the Starliner, and the spacecraft was returned to Earth without crew on September 6.

With this change in plan, Williams and Wilmore continued their duties on the ISS and have officially become part of the extended ISS expedition. They are expected to return to Earth in February, concluding what has become an eight-month mission rather than the initially planned week-long test flight.