OLYMPIA, Wash. (DiyaTV) — Diwali celebrations have reached a historic milestone across the United States, as governors in six states and mayors in 22 Washington cities hosted special ceremonies to mark the Hindu festival of lights. The events brought together elected officials, Indian American community leaders and residents to recognize the festival and the community’s contributions to American society.
Governors in Idaho, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota and Washington hosted Diwali ceremonies at state capitols and governors’ residences. Meanwhile, Oregon plans to host its first governor-led celebration on Nov. 10 at the State Capitol in Salem. The celebrations began in mid-October and will continue through Nov. 10, 2026.
The ceremonies also highlighted the growing presence of Indian Americans across the Pacific Northwest. In addition, state leaders recognized their contributions to local economies, businesses, public service and cultural diversity.
Several governors used the celebrations to acknowledge the Indian American community’s role in strengthening their states.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little hosted a Diwali celebration at the Idaho State Capitol on Oct. 16. He praised Indian Americans for their contributions through businesses, professional work, public service, and civic involvement. He also noted their role in making Idaho a better place to live, work, and raise families.
Similarly, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen welcomed community members to the Governor’s Mansion in Lincoln on Oct. 20. He described the Indian American community as an important part of Nebraska’s identity. He also encouraged families to preserve their cultural traditions and pass them on to future generations.
In North Dakota, Gov. Kelly Armstrong hosted a ceremony at the Governor’s Residence in Bismarck on Oct. 29. He emphasized the importance of cultural diversity, friendship and international cooperation.
“We should celebrate these relationships. We should celebrate these friendships. Diversity is our strength,” Armstrong said. He also highlighted partnerships between India and North Dakota at the trade, diplomatic, state, and community levels.
Meanwhile, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson hosted a Diwali celebration at the State Capitol Rotunda in Olympia on Nov. 4. He recognized the state’s large and growing Indian American population.
Ferguson noted that Washington had one of the largest shares of Indian Americans in the country. He also said the community recorded the fastest population growth among Indian Americans nationwide during the previous decade. Furthermore, he praised its contributions to the state.
Beyond the state-level ceremonies, Diwali celebrations reached city halls across Washington.
According to the Consulate General of India in Seattle, 22 cities across the Greater Seattle area hosted individual Diwali events in their city council chambers. Mayors led ceremonial lamp-lighting events alongside council members and Indian American community representatives.
The participating cities included Auburn, Everett, Marysville, Kirkland, Bellevue, Tukwila, Medina, Bothell, SeaTac, DuPont, Spokane, Issaquah, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Duvall, Tacoma, Mukilteo and Kent.
Additional ceremonies were scheduled for Nov. 10 in Snoqualmie, King County and Seattle. King County includes 39 cities in the Greater Seattle area.
The celebrations reflected the Indian American community’s growing cultural presence across Washington. Nearly 200,000 Indian Americans live in the Greater Seattle area, according to the information provided by the organizers.
Several state and city governments also issued official proclamations recognizing Diwali. These documents highlighted the festival’s message of light overcoming darkness and acknowledged Indian Americans’ contributions to regional economic and cultural development.
Moreover, the proclamations emphasized continued cooperation with the Consulate General of India in Seattle.
Washington has also taken steps toward formal recognition of the festival. In February 2026, the state Senate passed Senate Bill 6044, which recognizes Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas as state observances. However, the measure does not establish either festival as a legal public holiday.
The Consulate General of India in Seattle worked closely with Indian American community leaders to organize and co-host the celebrations across the six states and 22 Washington cities.
The events brought cultural traditions into government buildings and created opportunities for elected officials to engage with local communities. They also highlighted the growing relationship between India and the Pacific Northwest.
With Oregon’s planned ceremony on Nov. 10, the series of governor-hosted Diwali celebrations will reach its conclusion. Overall, the events mark a significant moment for Indian American cultural representation and recognition across the region.
