US governors hold first official Diwali celebrations in five states

Washington, Nov 6 – For the first time, governors in five U.S. states organised Diwali celebrations at official venues, recognising Indian Americans’ contributions to business, public service and cultural diversity, The Shillong Times reported.

State-level ceremonies

The events were held in Idaho, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota and Washington. In Idaho, Governor Brad Little hosted a ceremony at the state Capitol rotunda in Boise on October 16, highlighting service, civic participation and economic contributions. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen led a gathering in Lincoln on October 20, urging families to keep traditions alive, while US Rep. Don Bacon addressed the audience. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte welcomed participants to the Governor’s mansion in Helena on October 26, speaking about sharing food and building relationships across cultures. Three days later, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong held a celebration at the Governor’s residence in Bismarck, joined by first lady Kjersti Armstrong and the Consul General for a lamp-lighting ceremony. "We should celebrate these relationships. We should celebrate these friendships. Diversity is our strength," Armstrong said.

Washington’s capital event

At the state Capitol rotunda in Olympia on November 4, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson highlighted the growth of the Indian American community and its contribution 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 programme featured an Indian classical dance performance and linked Diwali’s theme of light overcoming darkness to cultural diversity as a source of strength.

Wider participation and upcoming events

The Indian Consulate in Seattle, which co-organised the ceremonies, noted that US Senators, members of Congress, mayors and Indian American community leaders attended. City council chambers across Washington state also hosted lamp-lighting ceremonies, with mayors presiding. Participating cities included Auburn, Bellevue, Kirkland, Everett, Bothell, Tacoma, Spokane and Kent. Further events were scheduled in Snoqualmie, King County and Seattle, with Seattle’s celebration set for November 10.

Consular remarks and proclamations

The Consulate said the programme, which began in mid-October, marked the first Governor-hosted Diwali celebrations at the respective official residences and state capitols. It estimated that nearly 200,000 Indian Americans live in the Greater Seattle area. State and city governments issued proclamations recognising Diwali and the community’s economic and cultural contributions, emphasizing the festival’s message of light overcoming darkness and the partnership with the Consulate.