The endeavor of the Indian Embassy is part of the effort of its Ambassador Meera Shankar to reach out to the ever increasing and vibrant Indian-American community.

"We are happy to announce the launch of the Facebook account of the Embassy. The address is http://www.facebook. com/pages/Embassy-of-India-Washington-DC/164730746912290," Embassy spokesman Virander Paul said in a statement.

"Please join the group and also invite other 'friends of India' to join," he said.

One of the first few messages is about the "Maximum India" festival being launched by the Kennedy Center from March 1.

"Join and enjoy the splendor of 'maximum India' - a mega festival hosted by John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in cooperation with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Embassy of India, Washington DC from March 1-20, 2011," the Embassy said.

The Indian Embassy in Washington had recently revamped its website.