US Governors, Lawmakers Extend Warm Diwali Wishes to People
Political leaders across several US states extend festive greetings, participate in traditional celebrations and highlight Diwali's growing recognition in American public life.
WASHINGTON, Nov 9: Governors, lawmakers and public officials across the United States joined Indian-American communities in celebrating Diwali, participating in traditional ceremonies and extending festive greetings to mark the festival of lights.
Several prominent political figures took part in celebrations organised across the country, lighting traditional oil lamps, visiting temples and interacting with members of the Indian-American community.
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris conveyed her Diwali wishes, while Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont participated in celebrations at the State Capitol. California Governor Gavin Newsom also shared a video message on X, extending greetings to people celebrating the festival.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Newsom said this year marked the first time Diwali was being observed as an official state holiday in California.
In New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, dressed in a yellow kurta, participated in the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony alongside members of the Indian-American community. Michigan Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed and State Speaker-elect Ranjeev Puri also joined the festivities.
A number of other governors extended their wishes, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also conveyed her greetings, alongside several US senators, including Cory Booker, John Cornyn, Andy Kim and Tim Kaine.
Members of the House of Representatives, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Brian McCormick and Ami Bera, also extended their wishes to Indian-Americans and others observing the festival.
The celebrations reflected the growing visibility of Diwali in American public life and the contribution of the Indian-American community to the country’s cultural diversity.
Earlier, on Friday, US President Donald Trump hosted a Diwali celebration at the Oval Office, where he lit a traditional lamp in the presence of entrepreneurs, chief executive officers and other prominent members of the Indian-origin community.
The participation of political leaders from different states and across party lines highlighted the festival’s growing recognition and its importance as a celebration of light, prosperity and togetherness.
