The Town of Leesburg, Virginia, has officially proclaimed October 2025 as “Hindu Heritage Month,” at the Town Council meeting on October 28, recognizing the Hindu community’s profound cultural and spiritual contributions.  

The initiative was spearheaded by Lead America’s President Rajesh Gooty, Chair Srilekha Palle, and Vice-Chair Indrani Davaluri, who were joined by community members including Akhil Govil, Madhu Govil, and Parul Parikh Bhatt at the proclamation ceremony, held as part of the Lead America Signature Diwali Celebrations.

The official proclamation, signed by Mayor Kelly Burk, Vice Mayor Dr. Todd Cino-Johnson, and Councilmembers Nicholas A. Krukowski, Neil Steinberg, Zach Cummings, Kari Nacy, and Patrick Wilt, honored Hinduism as one of the world’s “oldest continuously practiced religions.”

The document stated, “Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest continuously practiced religions, with a rich and diverse heritage that has contributed profoundly to human civilization in philosophy, science, art, music, literature, and spirituality…” It further added, “The Mayor and Council of the Town of Leesburg, Virginia, hereby recognize October 2025 as Hindu Heritage Month in the Town of Leesburg, Virginia, and encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the contributions and traditions of the Hindu community in fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse society.”

Virginia Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) also marked the occasion with a Congressional Record titled “House of Representatives – Celebrating Diwali This Hindu Heritage Month.” His message noted, “Diwali, symbolizing unity and renewal, marks the victory of light over darkness and is a significant cultural and spiritual celebration, observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and others in the United States and across the globe.”

Expressing gratitude, Rajesh Gooty commended the leadership and continued support of Mayor Burk, the Leesburg Town Council, and Congressman Subramanyam. He also thanked Tony Howard, President and CEO of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, and Dipti Rach for presenting a certificate recognizing the festival. Gooty praised the Chamber as a “beacon of unity, fostering bridges between diverse communities and amplifying voices that drive progress.”

Chair Palle, who also serves as Chair of the Virginia Asian Advisory Board, recalled that Virginia was the first state in the nation to recognize October as Hindu Heritage Month, a milestone achieved through a bill introduced by then Delegate Suhas Subramanyam, now the first Indian American to represent Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Diwali is not just a festival for us – it is a constellation of luminous legacies woven through India’s spiritual tapestry,” said Palle. “It marks the homecoming of Lord Rama after his triumph over darkness in the Ramayana, the return of light to the kingdom of Ayodhya. For some of us, it honors Lord Krishna’s victory over the tyrant Narakasura, symbolizing the liberation of the soul from ignorance.”

Palle expressed heartfelt appreciation to Mayor Burk, Vice Mayor Johnson, and other council members for their “honor, unwavering love, and continued support.” 

She added, “Mayor Burk often reminds us that to have a strong Leesburg, we must be economically, socially, and environmentally resilient – a Leesburg that works for you. Tonight, your words come to life. You have shown that a community thrives not only through infrastructure or policy, but through heart -through recognizing every culture and every family as part of the fabric of Leesburg.”

Vice-Chair Davaluri, also the Founder of Natyamargam, a Bharatanatyam dance school, reflected on the dual privilege of cultural belonging.

“Living in America gives us the beautiful opportunity to live in two worlds. One that celebrates individuality and innovation, and another that honors tradition and heritage,” she said. “And what a gift that is. We get to raise children who are confident in both, who can embrace opportunity while staying connected to their roots. Through our festivals, our stories, and our art, we teach them that culture is not just something to celebrate once a year; it is a way of life.”

Davaluri noted that this philosophy inspired the founding of Natyamargam, explaining that it is “not just about learning steps or perfecting expressions. It is about understanding where those movements come from. It is about learning patience, respect, and discipline – the values that form the foundation of our Indian heritage.”

The ceremony also witnessed prayers for peace and harmony led by Priest Vikas from the Hindu Temple of Virginia.

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