"Diwali Goes Big in America": Six Governors, 22 Mayors Join Largest-Ever Celebrations
The US Pacific Northwest has witnessed its largest-ever Diwali celebrations this year, with six governors and 22 mayors participating in events organised across the region in partnership with the Consulate General of India in Seattle.
The celebrations, which began in mid-October, have brought together US Senators, Members of Congress, mayors, state legislators and members of the Indian-American community. Several state capitols, governors' mansions and city council chambers have hosted ceremonies marking the festival of lights, with public representatives also recognising the cultural contributions of the Indian-American community.
The festivities are scheduled to conclude on November 10 with a state-level celebration hosted by the Governor of Oregon at the State Capitol in Salem.
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GOVERNORS HOST FIRST-EVER DIWALI CELEBRATIONS
The governors of Idaho, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota and Washington hosted first-ever Diwali celebrations at their respective State Capitol Rotundas and Governors' Mansions this year.
In Washington State, 22 cities organised Diwali ceremonies inside their City Council Chambers, where mayors and council members participated in the traditional lighting of ceremonial lamps.
Several states and cities also issued official proclamations recognising Diwali and acknowledging the contributions of the Indian-American community to their respective regions.
Highlighting the celebrations at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, the Consulate General of India in Seattle shared an update on X.
"The magnificent Rotunda of the Washington State Capitol in Olympia provided a beautiful setting for a special celebration of Diwali, bringing together state leadership, the Indian-American community and friends of India!" the consulate said.
It also thanked Governor Bob Ferguson and State Senator Manka Dhingra for attending the celebrations and recognising the cultural heritage and contributions of the Indian-American community in Washington.
CELEBRATIONS TO CONCLUDE IN OREGON ON NOVEMBER 10
The celebrations across the Pacific Northwest will culminate on November 10, when the Governor of Oregon hosts a state-level Diwali event at the State Capitol in Salem.
Ceremonies are also scheduled at Seattle City Hall and the King County Council, extending the festival's celebrations to prominent civic institutions in the region.
The participation of elected representatives and local administrations reflects the growing public recognition of Diwali in the United States, particularly in regions with sizeable Indian-American communities.
US EMBASSY AND POSTAL SERVICE MARK DIWALI
The celebrations have also extended beyond the Pacific Northwest.
On Thursday, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor participated in Diwali festivities at the US Embassy in New Delhi. Sharing glimpses of the celebrations on X, he extended greetings to those observing the festival.
"Great to celebrate Diwali at our Embassy in New Delhi. Wishing all who are observing the holiday a very Happy Diwali!" Gor wrote.
In another development, the United States Postal Service (USPS) unveiled a new Forever stamp commemorating Diwali, recognising the cultural and religious significance of the festival celebrated by millions across the world.
The US Embassy in India also highlighted the newly issued stamp in a post on X, describing it as a recognition of one of the most widely observed festivals in India and among communities worldwide.
With inputs from ANI