Washington, DC, November 7 (ANI): From state capitals to the Oval Office, senior American leaders have marked Diwali by recognizing the significant cultural, economic and civic contributions of the Indian American community.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson praised the state’s diverse population while officially commemorating the festival.
“We are proud to be home to one of the largest shares of Indian Americans in the country, and we have seen this community contribute so much to our state. We’re so proud of these contributions. So, with that in mind, I was proud to sign a proclamation declaring November 8, 2026, as Diwali, the Festival of Lights Day here in Washington State,” Ferguson said.
In Nebraska, Governor Jim Pillen highlighted the cultural connections between traditional Diwali celebrations and the state’s values.
“Afternoon, everyone, and welcome to your house. The Indian community is an incredibly vital piece of who we are as the people of Nebraska. You know, while Diwali is celebrated in many ways, you know, it’s so direct to the core values of Nebraska: neighbors simply helping neighbors,” he remarked.
He added, “Diwali centers on family unity, reflection and gratitude for our blessings. So, happy Diwali, and it’s really, really important that you keep these traditions alive in your families. Never, ever, ever let the light go out.”
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong emphasized the multifaceted relationship between India and his state.
“Never. What a novel concept. What a fantastic concept. What a great way. We’re going to eat some great food, we’re going to hang out with old friends and new friends, and we’re going to continue this relationship because it’s a fantastic one at an international level, at a trade level, at a state-to-state level, at a diplomatic level, but most importantly, at a human level. We have people who have done great things from India in North Dakota,” Armstrong said.
In Idaho, Governor Brad Little praised the Indian American community for its professional and civic contributions.
“Here in Idaho, we’re proud to have a vibrant Indian community that contributes very much to our state. Through their businesses, professions, service and civic involvement, Indian Americans help strengthen Idaho’s economy and help our communities be better places to live, work and raise a family,” he said.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the importance of cross-cultural dialogue during festive gatherings at his residence.
“The First Lady and I welcome you to our home, and we love bringing people together from many different cultures and backgrounds. We’re here to start a discussion, to continue relationships that already exist and build on those so that we can have long-term, mutually beneficial and profitable relationships,” Gianforte said.
Federal officials also joined the celebrations. Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon praised the Indian American community for strengthening the country.
“But I really appreciate our Indian American community. We’re called the melting pot. 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.
Idaho Republican Sen. Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke about the historical significance of hosting community celebrations at the venue.
“This building is very special to us, and particularly this part of the building is where we hold a lot of celebrations. For those of us who’ve been inaugurated here, we have a parade that comes down and winds up in a ball right here in this spot, and so this is a very special place,” Risch said.
At the federal level, U.S. President Donald Trump received a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa during a White House Diwali celebration in the Oval Office on Friday. The religious text was presented by entrepreneur Vishal Gondal, who said he prayed for lasting friendship between India and the United States.
Describing the occasion in a post on X, Gondal wrote, “Honored to celebrate Diwali with President @realDonaldTrump and proud to gift him a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa, Tulsidas’s hymn to Lord Hanuman that millions of us recite for courage, devotion and strength.”
The White House’s official schedule listed the gathering for 1:30 p.m. EST in the Oval Office, without press access.
Reflecting on the ceremony, Gondal added, “As the diyas were lit, my prayer was for friendship between India and America, and for the triumph of light over darkness.”
Images shared from the event showed the cream-colored sacred text resting against red fabric. Its cover featured a kneeling Lord Hanuman holding scripture, beneath red lettering and lotus motifs, with metallic corner protectors.
Group photographs showed attendees dressed in traditional Indian clothing and formal suits gathered around the Resolute Desk, against a backdrop of gold curtains, flags, telephones and a model aircraft.
According to a program shared by Gondal, the 30-minute itinerary included presidential remarks and the ceremonial lighting of a diya shortly after the proceedings began.
The schedule, which was subject to change, listed several prominent attendees, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, FBI Director Kash Patel and National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya.
Gondal also shared photographs from inside the West Wing, featuring ornate gold-framed presidential displays and the iconic wall bearing the words “The West Wing” in gold lettering.
Among the mementos he shared was an image of a presidential challenge coin held in an open palm. The coin featured gold lettering, a central crest and inscriptions identifying the holder as the “President of the United States” and referencing the 45th and 47th presidencies.
“The Trump coin I received this Diwali will always remind me of this day,” Gondal noted.
Recounting the experience, Gondal said, “I never imagined celebrating Diwali in the Oval Office. Being there with President Trump, I felt his magnetic presence firsthand.”
White House Diwali celebrations date back to 2003, during the administration of President George W. Bush. Barack Obama became the first sitting U.S. president to personally light a ceremonial diya in the East Room in 2009, according to archival records. (ANI)
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