Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Nov 6: For the first time, Governors of five US states have celebrated Diwali at official venues, recognising the contributions of Indian Americans to business, public service and cultural diversity.
The celebrations were held in Idaho, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota and Washington. Oregon is scheduled to host a sixth celebration at its state Capitol in Salem on November 10, bringing the programme, which began in mid-October, to a close.
In a release, the Indian Consulate in Seattle described the events as the first Governor-hosted Diwali celebrations at the respective official residences and state capitols. The ceremonies were attended by US Senators, members of Congress, Mayors and Indian American community leaders.
The Consulate said it collaborated with community leaders to organise and co-host the celebrations. The festivities also extended to city council chambers across Washington state, where Mayors presided over lamp-lighting ceremonies in the presence of council members.
At the state Capitol rotunda in Olympia on November 4, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson highlighted the growth of the Indian American community and its contributions to the state.
"We are proud to be home to one of the largest shares of Indian Americans in the country. And during the previous decade, we had the fastest growing Indian American population in the entire country. And we have seen this community contribute so much to our state," Ferguson said.
The Olympia programme featured an Indian classical dance performance. Ferguson also described cultural diversity as a source of strength and drew a parallel with Diwali's message of light overcoming darkness.
In Idaho, Governor Brad Little hosted a celebration at the state Capitol rotunda in Boise on October 16. His address highlighted the importance of public service, civic participation and the economic contributions of the Indian American community.
"Diwali reminds us of the importance of choosing kindness, pursuing knowledge, serving others and finding hope even when there's challenges," Little said.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen hosted a ceremony in Lincoln on October 20, encouraging families to preserve their traditions. US Representative Don Bacon also addressed the gathering and praised the Indian American community.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte welcomed participants to the Governor's mansion in Helena on October 26. He spoke about bringing people from different cultures and backgrounds together through shared food and meaningful relationships.
On October 29, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong hosted a Diwali celebration at the Governor's residence in Bismarck. Armstrong, First Lady Kjersti Armstrong and the Consul General participated in the ceremonial lamp-lighting.
"We should celebrate these relationships. We should celebrate these friendships. Diversity is our strength," Armstrong said.
He also highlighted North Dakota's connections with India through trade, diplomacy and state-level engagement, emphasising the importance of personal relationships in strengthening these ties.
Across Washington state, the participating cities included Auburn, Bellevue, Kirkland, Everett, Bothell, Tacoma, Spokane and Kent, according to the Consulate. Additional celebrations were scheduled in Snoqualmie, King County and Seattle, with the Seattle event set for November 10.
The Consulate said nearly 200,000 Indian Americans reside in the Greater Seattle area. Several state and city governments also issued proclamations recognising Diwali and the Indian American community's contributions to the economic and cultural life of their respective regions.
The proclamations highlighted the festival's message of light overcoming darkness and acknowledged the partnership between local governments and the Indian Consulate in promoting cultural understanding and community engagement.