THE Governors of Idaho, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota and Washington hosted first-ever Deepavali celebrations at their State Capitol Rotundas and Governors’ Mansions this year, organised in partnership with the Consulate-General of India, Seattle. US Senators, Members of Congress, Mayors and the Indian-American community attended the celebrations.
Across Washington State, 22 cities held Deepavali ceremonies in their City Council Chambers, where Mayors and Council Members lit the ceremonial lamp. Several States and cities also issued official proclamations recognising Deepavali and the contributions of the Indian-American community. The celebrations began in mid-October and will conclude on 10 November with a state-level celebration hosted by the Governor of Oregon at the alongside ceremonies at Seattle City Hall and the King County Council. In a statement on X, the Consulate General of India, Seattle, said, “Welcome to the 1st Washington State Capitol in Olympia! The magnificent Rotunda of the Washington State Capitol in Olympia provided a beautiful setting for a special celebration of Deepavali, bringing together state leadership, the Indian-American community and friends of India! Thank: Hon’ble Governor Bob Ferguson and Hon’ble State Senator Manka Dhingra for joining the celebrations and recognizing the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Indian-American community to Washington State!”—ANI