Governors in five states hosted Diwali celebrations at their official residences and state capitols, recognizing the Indian American community’s economic, civic and cultural contributions. A sixth celebration is scheduled in Oregon on November 10.
According to the Consulate General of India in Seattle, the events in Idaho, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota and Washington marked the first governor-hosted Diwali celebrations in those states. The series began in mid-October and brought together U.S. senators, members of Congress, mayors and Indian American community leaders.
Oregon’s Governor is scheduled to host the concluding ceremony at the State Capitol in Salem on November 10, 2026. The consulate said it worked with Indian American community organizations to organize and co-host the celebrations across the six states.
At Washington’s State Capitol Rotunda in Olympia on November 4, Gov. Bob Ferguson welcomed attendees and connected Diwali’s message of light overcoming darkness with the importance of embracing the state’s diversity.
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“I think that diversity, and you spoke to it as well, is a great strength,” Ferguson said. “And we see that here today with this wonderful celebration and the strong Indian American community that we have.”
Ferguson also highlighted the community’s growth and contributions, saying Washington had the country’s fastest-growing Indian American population during the previous decade.
“We are proud to be home to one of the largest shares of Indian Americans in the country,” he said.
At the North Dakota Governor’s Residence in Bismarck on October 29, Gov. Kelly Armstrong emphasized friendship, cultural exchange and the personal connections underlying international and economic relationships.
“We should celebrate these relationships. We should celebrate these friendships. Diversity is our strength,” Armstrong said.
He described the gathering as an opportunity to spend time with old and new friends while strengthening ties across trade, diplomacy and community life. Armstrong also recognized the contributions of people from India who have made North Dakota their home.
“We have people who have done great things from India in North Dakota, and they don’t always have to be big to be great,” he said.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, hosting a celebration at the Governor’s Mansion in Helena on October 26, focused on bringing residents of different backgrounds together. He said sharing a meal and getting to know one another could help build relationships among people who might otherwise have few opportunities to connect.
“We love bringing people together from many different cultures and backgrounds,” Gianforte said.
In Idaho, Gov. Brad Little used the October 16 celebration at the State Capitol Rotunda in Boise to reflect on Diwali’s themes of kindness, learning, service and hope.
“Diwali reminds us of the importance of choosing kindness, pursuing knowledge, serving others and finding hope even when there are challenges,” Little said.
He praised Indian Americans for contributing through business, professional work, public service and civic involvement, saying their efforts strengthen Idaho’s economy and communities.
Little also described the observance as an opportunity to recognize those contributions and reaffirm the freedoms that allow residents to preserve and share their cultural and religious traditions.
At the Nebraska Governor’s Residence in Lincoln on October 20, Gov. Jim Pillen called the Indian community an essential part of the state and highlighted Diwali’s emphasis on family, reflection and gratitude.
“Diwali centers on family unity, reflection and gratitude for our blessings,” Pillen said.
He encouraged families to pass their traditions to future generations.
“Happy Diwali, and it’s really important that you keep these traditions alive in your families. Never, ever let the light go out!” he said.
Rep. Don Bacon, who attended the Nebraska celebration, praised the Indian American community’s contributions to the United States. He pointed to its economic achievements and emphasized the role of family support and parental involvement in helping children succeed.
“Over 200 ethnicities make up our country, and it is very clear to me that the Indian community in America makes us stronger and better,” Bacon said.
At Idaho’s October 16 celebration, U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, reflected on the festival’s message of resilience and optimism.
“Hope does overcome despair, and light does overcome darkness,” Risch said.
The celebrations also extended to local governments in Washington. According to the consulate, the outreach involved 22 cities, with mayors and council members participating in lamp-lighting ceremonies, many held in city council chambers.
Participating cities included Auburn, Everett, Marysville, Kirkland, Bellevue, Tukwila, Medina, Bothell, SeaTac, DuPont, Spokane, Issaquah, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Duvall, Tacoma, Mukilteo and Kent.
Additional observances are scheduled in Snoqualmie and King County, which encompasses 39 cities, with a Seattle ceremony planned for November 10.
Several state and local governments also issued proclamations recognizing Diwali’s message of light overcoming darkness and the Indian American community’s contributions to their regions. The proclamations acknowledged cooperation with the Consulate General of India in Seattle.
The consulate also pointed to legislative recognition in Washington, saying the state Senate passed Senate Bill 6044 in February 2026 to recognize Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas as state observances, rather than legal holidays.
