‘Diversity is our strength’: Five US states, 21 cities host first-ever Diwali celebrations at official venues

Governors of five US states and mayors of 21 cities across the Pacific Northwest have hosted Diwali celebrations for the first time at state capitols, governors' mansions and city halls, with the Indian American community's contributions to their regions receiving recognition from local leaders.The celebrations, described by the Consulate General of India in Seattle as among the largest-ever Diwali events hosted across the US Pacific Northwest, began in mid-October and will continue until November 10, 2026.The governor of Oregon is scheduled to host the final ceremony at the State Capitol in Salem on that date.Governors of Idaho, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota and Washington hosted the first-ever state-level celebrations at their respective governors' mansions and state capitol rotundas.The events were attended by US senators, members of Congress, local mayors and Indian American community leaders, the Consulate said in a press release dated November 5.US governors recognise Indian American community's contributionsDuring the celebrations, state leaders highlighted the contributions of Indian Americans to their respective states' economies, professions, public service and cultural diversity.Idaho governor Brad Little, speaking at the State Capitol on October 16, said the Indian American community had strengthened the state's economy and local communities.“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,” he said.At the Nebraska governor's Mansion in Lincoln on October 20, governor Jim Pillen described the Indian community as an important part of the state and urged families to preserve their traditions.“The Indian community is an incredibly vital piece of who we are as the people of Nebraska... It’s really important that you keep these traditions alive in your families. Never, ever, ever let the light go out!” Pillen said.North Dakota governor Kelly Armstrong, speaking at the governor's Residence in Bismarck on October 29, highlighted the importance of ties between the Indian American community and the state.“We should celebrate these relationships. We should celebrate these friendships. Diversity is our strength,” he said, adding that the relationship would continue at international, trade, state-to-state, diplomatic and human levels.Washington governor Bob Ferguson, addressing the celebration at the State Capitol Rotunda in Olympia on November 4, said the state was 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.21 cities host Diwali ceremonies, more events scheduledIn Washington state, 21 cities have hosted individual Diwali ceremonies in their city council chambers, with mayors presiding over lamp-lighting ceremonies in the presence of council members, according to the Consulate.The celebrations were held across the Greater Seattle area, where nearly 200,000 Indian Americans reside. The cities included Auburn, Everett, Marysville, Kirkland, Bellevue, Tukwila, Medina, Bothell, SeaTac, DuPont, Spokane, Issaquah, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Duvall, Tacoma, Mukilteo and Kent, among others.Further ceremonies are scheduled in Snoqualmie, King County and the City of Seattle on November 10. King County covers 39 cities in the Greater Seattle area.Several state and city governments have also issued official proclamations recognising Diwali as a festival symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.The proclamations highlighted the Indian American community's contributions to the economic and cultural enrichment of their regions and the continuing partnership with the Consulate General of India in Seattle.The Consulate said it had worked closely with Indian American community leaders to organise and co-host the celebrations across the six states and 22 cities.Washington recognises Diwali as state observanceThe Consulate also highlighted Washington state's legislative recognition of the festival. In February this year, the state Senate passed Senate Bill 6044, recognising Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas as state observances, though not as legal holidays.Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is scheduled to participate in a Diwali celebration at the White House on Friday,.The ceremony is expected to take place in the Oval Office, continuing a tradition started by former President George W Bush.Barack Obama became the first US president to light a diya at the White House in 2009, during a ceremony in the East Room.Last year, India's ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra joined Trump for the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony in the Oval Office.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.