Obamas shake a leg with school kids to celebrate Diwali

US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle celebrated Diwali in style with school children in Mumbai on Sunday. What added to the joyfulness of the moment was US President joining his wife Michelle and school kids in dancing to the tunes of a Maharashtrian Koli song.

The US first couple started their day at 9.50 am, when they arrived at Holy Name High School, located very close to the Taj Mahal Hotel – where he stayed overnight – to meet school children and celebrate Diwali with them.

As per the Indian tradition, he lit the lamp and shook hands with children and patted them on their backs. Thereafter, students first performed a traditional dance with diyas (earthenware lamps).

A visibly pleased Obama was seen smiling all through the dance performance. Michelle also could not hide her excitement and keenly watched the traditional dance form of India.

After the dance with lamps, students danced on the tunes of a traditional Maharashtrian Koli (Fishermen) Song. Midway, some of the kids requested the Obamas to join them. At first the President turned down the invite politely even as Michelle got out of her seat in flash and joined the kids in dancing to the peppy tune.

Soon afterwards, the kids once again requested Obama to join in, he could not say no this time around and joined the kids on the dance floor amid applause from all those present in the small room where the function was being held.

The students then showed Obama and his wife the traditional 'rangoli' made by them for the occasion. The visiting dignitaries were also requested to fill the Peacock design with coloured powder.

The first couple of United States were then taken around a science exhibition, highlighting awareness about pollution and environment, followed by an interaction with 16 students, who participated in the exhibition, and a meeting with their parents and teachers.

Last year, the US President had presided over a Diwali celebration at the White House.

Following his engagements at the school, Obama headed straight to St Xavier`s College, where he is to address a gathering of select student from different city colleges and also take questions from the young minds.