Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA) hosted Washington, D.C.’s annual Diwali celebration, marking the festival of lights October 30, 2025, at the Old Council Chambers in the Marion S. Barry Jr. Building. 

Welcoming guests to the evening of cultural festivity and reflection, MOAPIA Director Ben De Guzman described Diwali as a time to “turn towards the light and to think about what’s good and positive in the world.” Emphasizing the importance of community connection, he said, “We’re here to celebrate the festival of lights, and we’re here to chase away the darkness.”

De Guzman recalled his personal ties with the South Asian community, sharing that his connection began when “an Indian family moved two doors down the street” during his childhood. “So personally and professionally, I’ve profoundly enjoyed the work and the partnership that we’ve been able to make with South Asian communities over the years,” he said.

Reflecting on lessons learned through years of engagement, De Guzman noted that one of the greatest takeaways has been understanding “the diversity of the community.” 

He added, “That’s something that we are always proud to talk about. We’re glad that over the years, we’ve been able to celebrate Diwali with people who trace their roots, not just from India and the subcontinent, but all over the world.”

Turning to his office’s ongoing efforts, De Guzman praised his team’s dedication: “Our team has really risen to the challenge with passion and compassion… I’m so proud of all the work that we’ve been able to accomplish together.”

He outlined MOAPIA’s dual mission – representing Mayor Bowser to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community, and simultaneously advocating for those communities within city government. “We are actually the largest office of our kind in the country as a local city agency centering AANHPI communities. We’re approaching our 40th year of serving those constituencies here in the nation’s capital,” he said.

De Guzman also recognized the presence of cabinet members, directors, and commissioners from across city agencies and extended prayers for Indo-Caribbean communities, including those in Jamaica recovering from Hurricane Melissa.

To commemorate the occasion, Mayor Bowser issued an official proclamation recognizing Diwali’s significance.

Robert D., Chief of Staff for the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, presented the proclamation on behalf of Director Lamont Carey to Rajiv Paul of Radio Zindagi, joined by De Guzman and Commissioners Scott and Snyder.

Robert D. highlighted the growing Indian American presence in the nation’s capital, noting that “there are almost 12,000 Indian Americans within the district.” He emphasized that the diaspora “is not only growing but showing up for community events, part of DC downtown initiatives, and helping DC grow.”

“We talk about Diwali being a festival of lights,” he added, “and I like to think that our residents, each and every single one of the 700,000 people here in the district, are those amazing lights shining so brightly throughout the district, making sure that we illuminate and showcase our culture, our history and our heritage.”

Community President of ISKCON of DC, Ananda Vrindavan, reflected on Diwali as a celebration of Lord Ram’s return home. 

“In the Vaishnava tradition, Ram is God, and he is standing up for dharma, standing up for not just doing the right thing, but doing the right thing in the right way,” she said. “And these Diwali lights signify lighting the path, expressing gratitude, showing us the way and welcoming Ram, welcoming us home and making the world a more welcoming place for everyone.”

She added that light, in everyday life, represents kindness – “to bring kindness to every day, every interaction, and to bring a smile, respect, affection, and trust… to show up with good words and with good deeds.”

Among those in attendance were Prem Kumar, First Secretary (Head of Chancery) at the Indian Embassy, along with several dignitaries and community leaders.

The evening’s program featured a prayer by ISKCON priest Baladev Das and vibrant dance performances by artists from Brihadisha School of Music and Dance, Sutrahar Institute of Dance, and TAAL Academy of Dance. Rajiv Paul of Radio Zindagi served as Master of Ceremonies. 

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