More than 250 people, including members of Atlanta’s Hindu community, prominent lawmakers, diplomats, and entrepreneurs, gathered on October 28, 2024, at City Hall with Mayor Andre Dickens to celebrate Diwali.
This event served as the culmination for Hindu Heritage Month celebrations throughout Georgia, building on an earlier proclamation by Governor Brian Kemp.
The celebration, organized by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), had attendees such as Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA), Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA), Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), State Senators Shawn Still and Nikki Merritt, House Representative Esther Panitch, and Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman, according to a press release.
The Consul General of India in Atlanta, Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, and Deputy Consul of the Bahamas, Tyson McKenzie, were also present.
The event began with Mayor Dickens lighting a traditional Diwali lamp, symbolizing the festival of lights. Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman further honored the occasion by reading a Proclamation celebrating Diwali.
“You continue to make a major impact on this region’s culture and economy. You have established successful businesses, created cultural centers that educate and inspire, and you are actively engaged in the community. You are our teachers, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, developers and more, and you are helping to shape the future of Atlanta in every field,” said Mayor Dickens while praising contributions of the Hindu community.
CoHNA Board Member Suresh Krishnamoorthy said “The mission of CoHNA is to educate on issues affecting Hindu Americans, advocate for their rights and engage with communities in a positive way. This event is all about community engagement and we are grateful to the Mayor for partnering with us.”
“Our goal is to build bridges and bring together communities with such joyous events, where we discover and connect over our shared values. Everyone can relate to the power of light over darkness and good over evil–the core message of Diwali,” said Vice President and Co-founder of CoHNA Rajeev Menon, said while thanking all the esteemed attendees.
During the event, CoHNA also honored members for their “selfless work for the Hindu community.”
CoHNA’s General Secretary, Shobha Swamy, expressed gratitude to “the welcoming city of Atlanta, where Hindu-Americans have made their home for over 60 years,” and thanked the many youth volunteers who contributed to the event’s success.
CoHNA and other Hindu organizations organized interactive Diwali celebrations at hospitals, schools, and libraries throughout the month. According to Swamy, these events foster a greater understanding of Hindu culture and the diverse communities across Georgia.
