Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Nov 8: New York state and Toronto have formally recognised November 8 as Diwali, honouring the contributions of South Asian communities, as leaders across the United States and Canada marked the Festival of Lights with greetings and community celebrations.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a proclamation on October 26, designating November 8 as Diwali – “The Festival of Lights”. The Indian Consulate in New York shared a photograph of the proclamation on Saturday and thanked the governor for recognising the contributions of Indian Americans.
The proclamation describes Diwali as “a deeply meaningful annual observance” celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists across the world. It also acknowledges the “leadership and civic contributions” of communities celebrating the festival in New York, including South Asian and Indo-Caribbean residents.
In Toronto, Mayor Olivia Chow proclaimed November 8 as “Diwali Day” on behalf of the city council. The declaration recognises the longstanding cultural, social, economic and civic contributions of South Asian communities to the city, in keeping with its motto, “Diversity Our Strength”. Toronto has also designated November as Hindu Heritage Month.
In Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith celebrated Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas with members of the Hindu and Sikh communities in Calgary on Saturday.
“What a great afternoon celebrating these festivals of light, freedom and hope with so many friends from Alberta’s Hindu and Sikh communities,” she wrote on X, thanking the Hindu Society of Calgary and Dashmesh Culture Centre Calgary.
Shafqat Ali, president of Canada's Treasury Board and MP from Brampton, posted on Saturday about his visit to Hindu Sabha Temple along with Foreign Minister Anita Anand. He did not specify when the visit took place.
“This beautiful celebration reflects the enduring values of light, hope, unity, and the triumph of good over evil,” Ali wrote, thanking the temple for bringing the community together.
Anand had celebrated Diwali on Parliament Hill on October 28 along with her colleague Gary Anandasangaree. Recalling her family celebrations and the growing public recognition of such traditions, she wrote, “From small-town Nova Scotia to the heart of Canada’s democracy, seeing the traditions I grew up with celebrated here is especially touching.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford highlighted the importance of charitable giving in an October 24 post about attending the Trillium Diwali Gala the previous evening in support of Trillium Health Partners.
“Diwali reminds us of the importance of giving back to our communities,” Ford wrote, thanking participants for supporting healthcare across Ontario.
In the United States, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro extended greetings to Hindu, Jain and Sikh residents celebrating Diwali, Tihar and Bandi Chhor Divas in a post on Friday.
“This celebration is a time of unity, compassion, and acceptance,” he wrote. “Lori and I wish everyone taking part a joyous Festival of Lights.”
Congressman Frank Pallone of New Jersey highlighted his association with the Hindu community in the state, writing, “I’m proud to stand with and celebrate alongside the robust Hindu community here in New Jersey.”
Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin also sent greetings to people celebrating in her state and across the country.
“May the festival of lights bring peace, hope, and happiness,” she wrote on Friday.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein's proclamation designated November 8 as Diwali and October as Hindu Heritage Month. Signed on September 25, the proclamation recognises the contributions of Indian Americans to the state's economy, history and culture.
It states that the “vibrant Hindu American community has contributed tremendously to the vitality of the state of North Carolina by enriching the lives of its people”.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said in a post on Friday that he had proclaimed November 8 as Diwali. He also referred to a celebration held earlier in the week at the Legislative Building in collaboration with the Indian Consulate and state Senator Manka Dhingra.
“To everyone starting their celebration of Diwali today, I hope you have a wonderful festival,” he wrote.
Mayor Patsy Cudaback of Monroe, Washington, also proclaimed November 8 as “Diwali – The Festival of Lights Day”, encouraging residents to recognise the festival's cultural richness, community contributions and enduring values.
In Brampton, Mayor Patrick Brown shared a personal glimpse of the celebrations on Saturday, posting about shopping for Diwali sweets at India Taste on Ray Lawson Boulevard.
“My friend Ranjit Singh always puts on an incredible Diwali display,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, the Calgary authorities combined festival greetings with a safety advisory on fireworks in a notice issued on October 28.
“Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas to everyone celebrating across Calgary,” said Glenn Baxter, fire marshal with the Calgary Fire Department.
The city reminded residents that personal fireworks are prohibited and urged them to light diyas safely, decorate their homes with festive lights and take part in community celebrations.
Diwali is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhist communities, with its traditions and religious significance varying across faiths. Lighting lamps, sharing sweets and gathering with family and friends are among the common features of the celebrations.