Governors from Idaho, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota, and Washington led state-level observances attended by members of Congress and local officials. Washington state recently reinforced this cultural recognition by passing legislation that designated Diwali as an official state observance earlier this year. As a result, 21 cities throughout the Greater Seattle area opened their city council chambers to host individual lamp-lighting ceremonies. The overall celebration will conclude at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem with an event hosted by the state's governor.
Key points
Local and state governments are utilizing official proclamations to formally honor the ci…: Local and state governments are utilizing official proclamations to formally honor the civic and economic impact of Indian Americans.
Earlier legislation in Washington state successfully established Diwali as an official st…: Earlier legislation in Washington state successfully established Diwali as an official statewide observance.
The extensive regional celebration spans from mid-October through November 10, 2026, acro…: The extensive regional celebration spans from mid-October through November 10, 2026, across multiple government venues.
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Governors of five US states and mayors of 21 cities across the Pacific Northwest have hosted Diwali celebrations for the first time at state capitols, governors' mansions and city halls, with the Indian American community's contributions to their regions receiving recognition from local leaders.
The celebrations, described by the Consulate General of India in Seattle as among the largest-ever Diwali events hosted across the US Pacific Northwest, began in mid-October and will continue until November 10, 2026.
The governor of Oregon is scheduled to host the final ceremony at the State Capitol in Salem on that date.
Governors of Idaho, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota and Washington hosted the first-ever state-level celebrations at their respective governors' mansions and state capitol rotundas.
The events were attended by US senators, members of Congress, local mayors and Indian American community leaders, the Consulate said in a press release dated November 5.
US governors recognise Indian American community's contributions
During the celebrations, state leaders highlighted the contributions of Indian Americans to their respective states' economies, professions, public service and cultural diversity.
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