Six US governors and 21 city mayors host landmark Diwali celebrations across Pacific Northwest

In one of the largest-ever Diwali celebrations across the US Pacific Northwest, six state governors and mayors from 21 cities have joined hands with the Indian-American community to host special ceremonies marking the festival of lights at governors’ mansions, state capitols and city halls.Governors of Idaho, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota and Washington have hosted first-of-their-kind Diwali celebrations at their respective governors’ mansions and state capitol rotundas, attended by US Senators, members of the US Congress, local mayors and prominent Indian-American community leaders. The celebrations, which began in mid-October, will culminate on 10 November, when the Governor of Oregon is scheduled to host the final ceremony at the State Capitol in Salem.The unprecedented celebrations have also provided an opportunity for state leadership to acknowledge the significant contributions of Indian Americans to their respective states, particularly in strengthening local economies, enriching cultural diversity and fostering community engagement.Several governors used the occasions to underline the importance of the Indian-American community and its growing role in the social, economic and civic life of their states.At the Idaho State Capitol on October 16, Governor Brad Little said, “Here in Idaho, we’re proud to have a vibrant Indian community that contributes very much to our state through their businesses, professions, service and civic involvement. Indian Americans help strengthen Idaho’s economy and help our communities be better places to live, work and raise a family.”Speaking at the Nebraska Governor’s Mansion in Lincoln on October 20, Governor Jim Pillen described the Indian community as “an incredibly vital piece of who we are as the people of Nebraska”, urging families to preserve their cultural traditions. “It’s really important that you keep these traditions alive in your families. Never, ever, ever let the light go out!” he said.At the Governor’s Residence in Bismarck on October 29, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong highlighted the enduring ties between the two communities, saying: “We should celebrate these relationships. We should celebrate these friendships. Diversity is our strength...” He added that the partnership would continue to grow across international, trade, state-to-state and diplomatic engagements, but, above all, at the human level.Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, addressing the gathering at the State Capitol Rotunda in Olympia on Wednesday, highlighted the remarkable growth of the Indian-American population in the state and its contributions. “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,” he said.The celebrations have extended well beyond state capitals. In Washington State, 21 cities across the Greater Seattle region, home to nearly 200,000 Indian Americans, have also organised individual Diwali ceremonies in their respective City Council chambers. Presided over by city mayors, the events have featured traditional lamp-lighting ceremonies attended by members of the city councils.The participating cities include Auburn, Everett, Marysville, Kirkland, Bellevue, Tukwila, Medina, Bothell, SeaTac, DuPont, Spokane, Issaquah, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Duvall, Tacoma, Mukilteo and Kent. Further ceremonies are scheduled in the coming days in Snoqualmie, King County, which encompasses 39 cities in the Greater Seattle area, and the City of Seattle, all on 10 November.Adding to the significance of the celebrations, several state and city governments have issued official proclamations recognising Diwali as a festival symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. The proclamations also acknowledge the Indian-American community’s contributions to the economic and cultural enrichment of their regions and reaffirm the continuing partnership with the Consulate General of India in Seattle.The celebrations build on an important legislative milestone in Washington State, where the State Senate passed Senate Bill 6044 in February 2026, recognising Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas as state observances, though not as legal public holidays.The Consulate General of India in Seattle has worked closely with Indian-American community leaders across the six states and the participating cities to organise and co-host the large-scale celebrations.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.